International Osteoporosis Foundation Warns Of Bone Damage From Anorexia

Main Category: Eating Disorders
Also Included In: Bones / Orthopaedics;  Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 03 Feb 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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Anorexia, which in recent months has caused a stir among fashion circles, can seriously damage a woman's bones and be a risk factor later in life for osteoporosis.

The period of greatest bone growth is during puberty and adolescence. Maximum bone development takes place in girls and boys roughly between ages of 11 to 17 years. This corresponds with the ages at which many girls sacrifice their health in search of a fashionably wafer-thin physique. By building peak bone mass during this period, young people "invest in their bones" and reduce the risk of fracture later in life.

Osteoporosis is a widespread, chronic disease in which the bones become brittle and fracture easily. While it generally occurs in women approaching and during menopause, the "bone bank balance" is established earlier in life, often during the teenage years.

International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), pointed out the relationship between anorexia and bone health in its recent publication "Bone Appetit". "Being underweight is a strong risk factor for osteoporosis," noted Professor Bess Dawson-Hughes, author of the report. She added that weight loss diets could also jeopardize bone health. The eating disorder anorexia nervosa was highlighted because the "extreme body thinness in female anorexia patients leads to estrogen deficiency and amenorrhea (cessation of menstruation). Estrogen deficiency in younger women contributes to bone loss in much the same way that estrogen deficiency after menopause does."

In 2005, seven beauty queens from around the world spoke out against the concept that "skinny is beautiful". Justine Pasek, Miss Panama, Miss Universe 2002, said "Girls often ask what makes someone beautiful. For me, a big part of beauty is being physically fit, healthy, and taking pride in your body and also in your personal values." Speaking at an IOF event in Bangkok, she added: "Don't be a slave to fashion. My advice is respect yourself, respect your body, and that includes looking after your bones."

Pavadee Vicheinrut, Miss Thailand, Mrs World 2003, speaking at the same event, said, "Many young girls tend to lose weight to look slim, but this puts their health at risk. I think that women have to recognize that beauty is partly physical but also made up of inner beauty that includes taking responsibility for their health. A healthy diet and lifestyle, as well as regular exercise are critical to bone health."

Low body mass index (BMI) will be one of the risk factors that will be included in the new IOF One Minute Osteoporosis Risk Test to be released October 20, 2007 on World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) 2007. The theme of WOD 2007 will be Beat the Break: Know and reduce your osteoporosis risk factors.

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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Osteoporosis, in which the bones become porous and break easily, is one of the world's most common and debilitating diseases. The result: pain, loss of movement, inability to perform daily chores, and in many cases, death. One out of three women over 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures, as will one out of five men (1, 2, 3). Unfortunately, screening for people at risk is far from being a standard practice. Osteoporosis can, to a certain extent, be prevented, it can be easily diagnosed and effective treatments are available.

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is the only worldwide organization dedicated to the fight against osteoporosis. It brings together scientists, physicians, patient societies and corporate partners. Working with its 175 member societies in 86 locations, and other healthcare-related organizations around the world, IOF encourages awareness and prevention, early detection and improved treatment of osteoporosis.

1. Melton U, Chrischilles EA, Cooper C et al. How many women have osteoporosis? Journal of Bone Mineral Research, 1992; 7:1005-10

2. Kanis JA et al. Long-term risk of osteoporotic fracture in Malmo. Osteoporosis International, 2000; 11:669-674

3. Melton LJ, et al. Bone density and fracture risk in men. JBMR. 1998; 13:No 12:1915

For more information on osteoporosis and IOF please visit:
http://www.iofbonehealth.org