Although the headline is purely for enticement, I thought that study was really interesting. It's just another way the body adapts and tries to keep the starved person alive even if it is in a future sense.

I do wonder about the whole anemia bit. In the worst of my ED days, my serum and transferritin iron levels were incredibly low. Would it have been the fat in my marrow that kept me going?

I agree, further research in recovered individuals would be good to see whether this changes or stays stagnant.

Interestingly, Kreipe et al. observed fatty infiltration of bone marrow in patients with low weight anorexia nervosa (AN) in 1993. (I carry this info around in my head; it was linked to my PhD research).

Although low levels of oestrogens (and especially the most biologically active forms) as well as high levels of cortisol and low (not high) levels of leptin - and also low IGF-1 contribute to disturbed bone metabolism in AN, a major problem is reduced numbers of osteoblasts (i.e. the bone cells that form new bone).

Blood cells and bone cells are produced from the same precursor cell line - and so starvation is accompanied not only by reduced bone formation (and bone loss), but also reduced numbers of red and white blood cells. A deficit of red blood cells reduces oxygen transport and contributes to anaemia, while a deficit of white blood cells leads to immunesuppression.

Thus, osteoporosis, anaemia and immunosuppression are interrelated in starvation/AN.

There are probably a whole range of after-effects from having been through a period of starvation. Bone health is important and no doubt just like every other woman a woman who at one time had an eating disorder may well need to consider a calcium supplement. However while many of these medical results are intriguing what is more important is that every woman lives well. And not too preoccupied with such after-effects.

Oh, how interesting. When I was really ill my white cell count was through the floor (my doctor's phrase was 'like someone going through cancer treatment', ack), and I always wondered how eating disorders led to suppressed immune systems. I love the media's take on it, oh dear! I really hope someone does a similar study in recovered individuals as well. My neutrophil count is back in the normal range now, so I guess that bodes well :)

To Fiona Place:

Hi Fiona, I agree with the gist of your post, but it is important that women who have osteoporosis as a consequence of having previously had anorexia nervosa (AN) are VERY aware of their bone health.

Bone is lost very rapidly in AN, and children who develop AN pre-puberty or during puberty may fail to ever build up an adequate bone mass (unless they are able to gain weight and keep it on) because they miss out on a crucial stage of physical development.

People with long histories of AN (like me), in whom the ED started pre-teens, cannot hope to ever have normal bone mass. For that reason they need to be vigilant and careful what activities they engage in. Even a minor bump or trip can result in devastating fractures.

Rather interesting blog you've got here. Thanx for it. I like such topics and anything connected to this matter. I would like to read a bit more on that blog soon.

Best regards

I am continually amazed as more and more research comes out on how dynamic and "active" our bones are in relation to our overall health. I think often people think of skeletons as a barren, static framework for everything else, so it's fascinating to learn about how in-tune they are to various aspects of body condition.

This is a timely post for me, beccause my daughter & I have been reading about the skeletal system, because she checked out some library books about it (she's 7). It's also scary, because I am recovering from AN & haven't had a period in years (not since I stopped nursing above mentioned 7 year old) & am wondering just how irreperable the damage I have done is. So I want to find out what happens to the bones of the recovered for my own & for curiosities sake!
The body is so fascinating, & the things it does to survive while being starved is pretty amazing. I like to think, just as we've learned the brain is more plastic than we previously thought, that the bones may have an ability to re-build, too. I haven't taken a bone density test - too scared! - but I am being very careful, & trying to make sure I do all your supposed to do to protect/strengthen my bones. And also warn my own daughter against starting that first diet.
Sorry for the de-rail! Thanks for the info, & all the info on this site.

I found this very interesting. I had hydrostatic weighing done in a Bod Pod late July 2008 (bad idea) and found that I had a fairly high body fat percentage (30%.) The technician actually re-did the test because he was shocked that my body fat was that high when my physical appearance did not reflect it at all. I was working with a trainer to prepare for my wedding and was pretty muscular, healthy BMI, on the pill, and abdominal fat or the pill were his best explanations because even he didn't believe the test. I sort of just brushed it off and agreed to keep working out the same amount, etc. because I was already healthy so what more could I really do? Screw the test. But I've always been curious what happened.

Since I have no background in this area I don't know how it all works, but does it seem remotely plausible that maybe the test was picking up some fat in my bones? What do you think, Carrie or Cathy?

Your blog is absolutely worth to read if anybody comes throughout it. I'm lucky I did because now I've got a whole new view of this. I didn't realize that this issue was so important and so universal. You certainly put it in perspective for me.


Chix
www.imarksweb.org