Cortisol Secretion Rate During Fasting of Obese Adolescent Subjects¹

Abstract

Adrenal function in six obese adolescents was evaluated by estimation of cortisol secretion rate (CSR) and urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion (17-OHCS). CSR and 17-OHCS were elevated in comparison to nonobese adolescents (p<0.002). Five of the six obese subjects were fasted for periods of 7 to 20 days. During fasting a significant (p<0.05) decrease in 17-OHCS was observed. A decline in CSR of lesser magnitude (0.05>p<0.1) than that in 17-OHCS occurred; the longer the fast, the greater was the decrement in CSR. Metyrapone responsiveness was unimpaired during fasting.