Correlation between forearm bone mineral density and body composition in Japanese females aged 18-40 years

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between forearm bone mineral density (BMD), body mass index (BMI), and body composition focusing on body fat percentage (BF%) in Japanese females 18 to 40 years old.

METHODS

Subjects were 2,280 females 18-40 years old. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and a medical history was obtained by questionnaire, including age at the time of the study and age at menarche. BF% was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Forearm BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The correlations of BMD with BMI and BF% were analyzed using a structural equation model.

RESULTS

The standardized regression coefficients for the path from BMI to BMD and the path from BF% to BMD were 0.538 and -0.184 respectively. The squared multiple correlation of BMD was 0.146. In addition, the standardized regression coefficient for the path from BMI to BF% was 0.896.

CONCLUSION

The results showed a positive correlation between BMD and BMI and an inverse correlation between BMD and BF%. At the same time, it was noted that BF% increased with BMI. This indicated that BMD is dependant on BF% in subjects who have a similar BMI. Therefore, this study concluded that it is necessary to take body composition measurements into account when examining the relationship between BMI and BMD, especially in young females.

Variables for the prediction of femoral bone mineral status in American women

INTRODUCTION

A reliable procedure for identifying persons at risk for osteoporosis and subsequent fracture is needed so that preventive measures may be initiated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Participants included 7,532 women, ages 20 and older, surveyed in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES, 1988-1994). Influences of race, body composition, exercise, alcohol intake, smoking status, as well as the effect of nutritional intake of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, sodium, and potassium on bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed.

RESULTS

Advancing age, low body weight, low exercise expenditure, and smoking were significant predictors for low BMD. Nutritional variables examined were not significant in the predictive models.

CONCLUSIONS

The absence of calcium from the predictive models indicates the need for re-evaluation of the current recommended intake levels of this nutrient. A greater emphasis on factors such as exercise and achieving adequate weight is recommended.

DISCUSSION

Providing women with the knowledge of their risk for low BMD may influence lifestyle behaviors, which may ultimately result in the prevention of bone injury.

Promoting health among perimenopausal women through diet and exercise

PURPOSE

To review the literature related to health promotion during the perimenopausal years and suggest methods for integrating those changes into the lifestyles of women in primary care.

DATA SOURCES

Selected scientific literature and guidelines for exercise programs.

CONCLUSIONS

The transition into perimenopause presents an opportunity for addressing health promotion issues, such as diet and exercise. As a woman senses perimenopausal changes, health awareness emerges. Such personal insight motivates the woman to implement lifestyle changes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Considering the average women will spend approximately one third of her life past menopause, a concerted effort is needed to ensure her well-being. Diet and exercise represent two modifiable areas of concern for perimenopausal women. Dietary selections of phytoestrogens, calcium, fiber and fat along with exercises plans are relatively simple interventions to begin the process of change.

The A, B, C's of bone building in adolescence

The majority of treatment for osteoporosis has focused on secondary and tertiary strategies that attempt to preserve acquired adult bone mass. However, the occurrence of osteoporosis and its related physical and economic sequelae continue to escalate, resulting in devastating morbidity and mortality in later adulthood because of bone fractures. Mounting evidence continues to support primary intervention strategies that target adolescents during skeletal maturation as effective in building bone mass reserves with the power to resist the threat of osteoporotic fractures. Nurse practitioners need to exercise their expertise as primary care providers by teaching adolescents and their families the A, B, Cs of bone building with calcium, vitamin D and exercise.