Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if energy metabolism and body composition differ between women recovered from anorexia nervosa for 2 or more years (RAN) and control (C) women.
Method: Using a cross-sectional design, 16 RAN and 18 C women were studied. Respiratory quotient (RQ) and resting energy expenditure (REE) were measured using indirect calorimetry and body composition using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Results: The REE between RAN and C women was not significantly different, even when adjusted for body composition. However, RAN women had a higher rate of fat oxidation (p = .015), controlling for diet and body composition. There were no significant differences between the groups for body composition, percent body fat, or percent truncal fat mass.
Discussion: Although RAN women have a higher rate of fat oxidation, there were no significant differences in REE or body composition when compared with C women.