Bone Density and Body Fat Distribution in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Background: In postmenopause there are changes in metabolism of bone tissue and consequent decrease of bone density. With ageing redistribution of fat occurs and an increase in body weight. Because of hormone changes in postmenopause fat is redistributed from gluteofemoral area to the abdominal region. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between bone density and a body mass index (BMI), and distribution of the fat tissue in women in postmenopause (WHR). Methods: This research was prospective, and it included total of 83 women, 53 women were in the natural postmenopause and 30 women with the regular menstruation. Results: BMI in women in postmenopause was statistically significantly higher than BMI in women with the regular menstruations (p= 0,005). There was no statistically significant difference between waist hip ratio in women in the postmenopause in relation to the women with the regular menstruations. In women in the postmenopause significant positive correlation between BMI and density of the neck of femur was found (Z and T-score) (p=0,019; p=0,005). There was also significant negative correlation between the WHR and density of the lumbal spine (backbone) in women in the postmenopause (Z-score) (p=0,043). The identical analysis in women with regular menstruations, negative correlation between the density of the lumbal spine was found again (Z-score) and WHR , but the same was highly expressed (p=0,041). The observed correlation between BMI and bone density in this group of women was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Based on the presented results we conclude that the higher the BMI (p=0,019; p=0,005) the higher density of the femoral neck postmenopausal women have, and lower bone density of the lumbar spine the higher ratio waist / hip (p = 0.043). In the women with regular menstruation bone density of the lumbar spine is the lower the higher the ratio of waist and hip (p=0,041), while there was no correlation between BMI and bone density in this group of women.

Identification of the Risk Factors Associated with Low Bone Density in Peri- and Early Postmenopausal Women

“…The body composition results of the current study support the findings of the previous literature discussing the associations of BMD with BMI [7,8], lean mass [9], fat [9], resting metabolic rate (RMR) [9], android fat [10], ratio of trunk fat mass to limb fat mass [11], and relative skeletal muscle index in postmenopausal women [12]. Our study showed significantly higher BMIs in women with greater BMDs (Z-scores ≥ 0) than women with lower BMDs (Z-scores < 0).…”

“…Our study showed significantly higher BMIs in women with greater BMDs (Z-scores ≥ 0) than women with lower BMDs (Z-scores < 0). Similarly, previous studies found a statistically significant positive association between BMI and femur bone density in postmenopausal women [7] and a positive association between BMI and BMD [8]. Additionally, previous reports indicate that BMI may be a contributing factor for BMD, as increased body mass often leads to increased levels of hormones, such as estrone and estradiol, associated with bone building [31].…”

“…Previous reports indicate that bone health has been found to be associated with multiple body composition factors in postmenopausal women, including higher BMI [7,8], resting metabolic rate (RMR) [9], android fat [10], and higher trunk fat mass versus limb fat mass [11], associated with higher BMD in postmenopausal women. Additionally, some studies found an association between decreased lean and fat mass and skeletal muscle mass with lower BMD and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women [9,12].…”

Analysis of the relationship between serum alanine aminotransferase and body composition in Chinese women

“…These findings suggest that the association between serum ALT levels and fat mass may be due to confounding factors. Postmenopausal women are more susceptible to weight gain, loss in body lean mass, and fat redistribution from the gluteofemoral to the abdominal region 13,14 . Furthermore, a previous study showed that women of Chinese origin have a lower fat mass and a higher lean mass than women of South Asian origin 15 .…”

“…Postmenopausal women are more susceptible to weight gain, loss in body lean mass, and fat redistribution from the gluteofemoral to the abdominal region. 13,14 Furthermore, a previous study showed that women of Chinese origin have a lower fat mass and a higher lean mass than women of South Asian origin. 15 Finally, significant race difference exists in serum ALT levels.…”