Normal body mass index as a protective factor for osteoporosis after menopause

Samira Ebrahimof,1,* Seyedeh vahideh pishvae,2 Bagher larijani,3

Abstract


Introduction

Increased body weight is positively related to higher bone mineral density (bmd) in both pre- and post-menopausal women. in the present study we assessed the relationship between bone mass and bone metabolism and body mass index (bmi) in 51 postmenopausal women aged 50-60.

Methods

Bmd was measured at lumbar spine (l2-l4) and total hip by dual x-ray absorbtiometry. weight and height were measured by standard methods and bmi was calculated. bone resorption was calculated by measuring carboxyterminal telopeptide of type Ӏ collagen (crosslaps) and bone formation by measuring serum osteocalcin.

Results

All women were osteopenic in either one or both the studied bone sites according to who criteria. the mean±sds of years after menopause and bmi were 5.9±2.9 and 28.9±4.1, respectively. bmi was not significantly correlated with bmd or bone metabolism markers in the whole study population. women were grouped according to their bmi, in normal (bmi<25 kg/m2), overweight (bmi=25-30 kg/m2) and obese (bmi>30 kg/m2). in women with normal bmi, a significant positive association was observed between bmi and femoral bmd (r=0.7, p<0.05).

Conclusion

Being in normal range of bmi may be a protective factor against bone loss in postmenopausal osteopenic women and appropriate weight loss can be recommended to overweight and obese women.

Keywords

Osteoporosis, body mass index, menopause