Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis functioning in relation to body fat distribution

Summary Objective To relate hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis functioning and HPA feedback functioning to body fat distribution in normal weight to obese subjects. Patients 91 men and 103 women [age 18–45 years, BMI 19–35 kg/m2, waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) 0·6–1·1] Measurements Anthropometry, body composition using hydrodensitometry and deuterium dilution method, cortisol variability by measuring 5‐h cortisol concentrations, HPA axis feedback functioning using a dexamethasone suppression test, and HPA axis functioning under a challenged condition consisting of a standardized high‐intensity test with ingestion of 4 mg dexamethasone. Results In men, an inverse relationship was observed between 5‐h cortisol exposure (nmol/ml) and fat mass index (FMI) (kg/m2) (r = −0·55, P