Hormonal and Psychological Factors Linked to the Increased Thermic Effect of Food in Malnourished Fasting Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

In AN women, blindly infused loads induced a dose-dependent increase in TEF, which correlated with the increase in plasma cortisol, ACTH, and catecholamines as in unpleasant sensations, fear of being fat, and anxiety as well as a decline in elevated basal beta-endorphin. These results could explain the difficulty for AN patients in gaining weight.