Does energy turnover after short-term nutritional recovery predict subsequent weight course in patients with anorexia nervosa? A multicenter pilot study

• Applicant: Dr. Verena Haas
• Subject Area: Nutritional Sciences
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 279874037

Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) describe weight gain as a big challenge. After successful inpatient nutritional rehabilitation, many patients experience renewed weight loss following discharge. Next to psychological factors such as persisting body dissatisfaction, biological barriers seem to complicate recovery and maintenance of a healthy normal weight. A high energy turnover could have a negative impact on weight course. In our multicenter pilot study we aim to assess total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) using isotope dilution in 6 adult and 4 adolescent AN patients 3-6 weeks after admission to inpatient treatment. In addition we plan an explorative analysis of determinants of TDEE (AN subtype resting energy expenditure, physical activity, energy intake, body composition), as well as a follow-up of body weight 6 months after discharge. In case our pilot study yields promising results, we will use the acquired data for a grant proposal involving a higher number of participants as well as healthy controls, to investigate clinical relevance and underlying biological mechanisms of alterations in TDEE in a longitudinal design.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigators: Professor Dr. Stephan Herpertz; Professor Dr. Matthias Rose; Professorin Dr. Martina de Zwaan