Osteoporosis—a serious health risk in chronic anorexia nervosa

Medical Findings in Women with Anorexia Nervosa in a Korean Population

“…Age also remained as a significant determinant of BMD at the femoral neck, but not at the lumbar L2-L4 spine, which is in accordance with a previous report that revealed that weight in the acute stage was the main determinant of bone modification at the lumbar spine, and both weight in the acute stage and weight gain were significant determinants of femoral neck bone BMD 23,26. There have been contradictory results regarding the association of BMD with different subtypes of AN 23,27,28.…”

Caloric restriction for longevity: I. Paradigm, protocols and physiological findings in animal research

“…One specific discrepancy that may surprise ED experts is the omission of decreased bone density from the list of CR liabilities. Osteopenia and osteoporosis are among the most predictable and disabling physical effects of AN (Grinspoon et al, 1999;Katzman & Zipursky, 1994;Lennkh et al, 1999;Pomeroy & Mitchell, 2002;Rigotti, Neer, Skates, Herzog, & Nussbaum, 1991;Serpell & Treasure, 1997;Siemers, Chakmakjian, & Gench, 1996). In CRL research, however, underfeeding has minimal effect on rats' bone mineral content (Sanderson et al, 1997).…”

The dietitian’s role in the treatment of eating disorders

“…Endocrine changes cause a drop in metabolic rate, an adaptation that reduces the rate of weight loss. The loss of normal oestrogen levels causes amenorrhoea and contributes to the development of osteoporosis, a serious side‐effect of anorexia nervosa ( Serpell & Treasure 1997). Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are rarely seen primarily because of the high intake of fruits and vegetables, and the fact that sufferers often take large quantities of commercial vitamin and mineral supplements.…”