Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among Women with Eating Disorders in Saudi Arabia

To assess selected cardiometabolic risk factors among Saudi women with eating disorders.

An epidemiological, cross-sectional study included women aged between 18 and 50 years with eating disorders (EDs). Women with chronic diseases, pregnant, or lactating were excluded. The weight and height were measured for the calculation of the body mass index (BMI). Fasting blood samples were drawn for the analysis of blood sugar, glycated haemoglobin, lipid profile, albumin, haemoglobin, and C-reactive levels. The atherogenic dyslipidemia index (AIP) was also calculated.

Patients (n = 100) were enrolled. Fasting blood glucose levels were critically low among women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) but normal among those with binge eating disorders (BEDs). All women with ED suffered from anaemia based on their haemoglobin levels as well as dyslipidemia, hypoalbuminaemia, and high C-reactive protein levels. Women with AN had low cardiovascular (CV) risks based on their normal AIP values. However, women with BN and BED had intermediate CV risks. On average, women with AN suffered from severe thinness and those with BN had normal BMIs, whereas those with BED were overweight. Women (90%) with BN and BED were overweight and/or obese.

Women with ED had a high risk of cardiovascular diseases defined by their hypoalbuminaemia, dyslipidemia, anaemia, and high AIP levels. Dietitians and psychiatrists are advised to collaborate in assessing the potential risk of having eating disorders to provide counselling sessions to women on healthy balanced diets and their effect on health.