Abstract
The effect of varying exercise levels on the thermic effect of a mixed nutrient meal was measured in normal young adults. Although exercise was found to potentiate the thermic effect in three subjects there was no consistent effect of exercise in nine other subjects. Blood glucose, serum non-esterified fatty acid, serum glycerol and serum insulin levels were observed before and after the meal. Rate of weight gain, together with metabolic rate before and after a glucose meal, were studied in a group of fifteen female anorexia nervosa patients as their weight was being restored to normal levels. The previously obese anorectic patients gained weight more rapidly, on the sans food intake, than those who were of normal weight before their illness began. The increase in resting metabolic rate (as treatment progressed) was less in the previously obese patients, who also showed a tendency for the metabolic rate to increase less after a glucose meal than the patients with no history of obesity. The thermic effect of glucose was greater in patients with anorexia nervosa than in a comparable control group of six female students. Blood glucose, plasma insulin and plasma glucagon levels were observed before and after a glucose meal in the anorexia nervosa patients. Glucose tolerance was normal in newly admitted emaciated patients, but became impaired as patients were refed and gained weight. Late treatment patients also shaved delayed insulin peaks, high insulin levels and greater insulin resistance. Glucagon levels were high in some patients.