High body fat linked to poor bone density

New research suggests that body fat may have an impact on bone mineral density (BMD).

Kathryn Piehowski, RD, of Pennsylvania State University studied 93 postmeopausal women with an average age of 57 to determine whether there was any link between body fat and BMD. Results showed that BMD was greater in women with a lower proportion of body fat than it was in those with a higher proportion of body fat.

The reasons why body fat should affect BMD are unclear, however Piehowski suggests that inflammation may well play a role. High levels of body fat are associated with greater levels of inflammation, and some inflammatory mediators are known to promote bone loss.

Too Much Body Fat Bad for Bones? WebMD Health News. October 31st 2008.