An anthropometrical and biochemical assessment of nutritional status in eating disordered patients: Is there a problem of interpretation?

Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were used to evaluate nutritional status in eating disordered (ED) patients. Height and weight were used to calculate body mass index (BMI), and body fat content. Skinfold measurements were assessed and used for the calculation of upper arm fat and muscle areas, and degree of mat-nutrition. All eating disorder patients showed signs of starvation in various degrees. Excretion of nitrogenous compounds were high in all groups. BMI proved to be a poor predictor of nutritional status in ED patients. Fat content estimation from skinfold measurements can give disputable results. The relationship between body fat content and menstruation is questioned.