Background: Disturbances of leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and peptide YY (PYY) have been found in women who are ill with anorexia or bulimia nervosa. It is not certain whether peptide disturbances are cause or consequence of eating disorders.
Methods: Plasma leptin and cerebrospinal fluid leptin, NPY, and PYY concentrations were measured in women who were recovered from anorexia or bulimia nervosa to determine whether alterations persisted after recovery.
Results: NPY, PYY, and leptin concentrations were similar across all diagnostic groups.
Conclusions: Alterations in NPY, PYY, and serum leptin concentrations are probably secondary to pathological eating behaviors. Alterations of these peptides are unlikely to be trait-related disturbances that contribute to the etiology of eating disorders.