Aged-Related Changes in Body Composition and Association between Body Composition with Bone Mass Density by Body Mass Index in Chinese Han Men over 50-year-old

Effects of whole-body vibration on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: an overview of systematic reviews

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the findings of existing systematic reviews (SRs) and provide scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety of whole-body vibration (WBV) in improving bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women, to provide recommendations and guidance for future high-quality clinical research and SRs.

METHODS

We conducted searches in six databases (SinoMed, CNKI, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science) from the inception of the databases until July 31, 2023. The language was limited to Chinese or English. The methodological quality, risk of bias, and evidence grade of outcomes were evaluated using AMSTAR-2, ROBIS, and GRADE, respectively. Additionally, the degree of overlap in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) among the SRs was calculated using corrected covered area (CCA). Furthermore, we performed quantitative synthesis or descriptive analysis of the relevant data. All relevant operations were independently conducted by two individuals.

RESULTS

A total of 15 SRs were included in the analysis, out of which three were qualitative descriptions and 12 were meta-analyses. According to AMSTAR-2, only two SRs were rated as low or moderate, while the remaining 13 SRs were rated as critically low quality. The ROBIS assessment indicated that seven SRs had a low risk of bias, while 8 SRs had a high risk of bias. The overall findings suggest that WBV does not have a significant advantage in improving BMD in postmenopausal women. Furthermore, the CCA results revealed a high overlap in RCTs across five outcomes among the 15 SRs. Only five SRs reported specific adverse reactions/events experienced by participants after WBV interventions, and none of the SRs reported any severe adverse events.

CONCLUSION

The existing evidence cannot establish definitive advantages of WBV in improving BMD in postmenopausal women. Therefore, we do not recommend the use of WBV for improving BMD in postmenopausal women. However, WBV may have potential value in maintaining BMD in postmenopausal women, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Difference in Body Composition Patterns between Age Groups in Italian Individuals with Overweight and Obesity: When BMI Becomes a Misleading Tool in Nutritional Settings

Little is known about the changes in body composition (BC) in people with overweight or obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the differences in BC patterns in this population based on gender and age. A total of 2844 Italian adults of mixed gender and a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m2 underwent a BC assessment by means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The sample was categorized into three age groups: 'young' (20-39 years), 'middle' (40-59 years), and 'older' (60-80 years) adults, after being matched by body weight and BMI. Males showed higher total body fat percentage (BF%) and a lower total lean mass (LM), progressively from the young to the middle to the older age groups, while females showed similar values for these total compartments between the three age groups. However, in both genders, participants in the middle and older groups were more likely to have a higher trunk fat percentage by +1.23% to +4.21%, and lower appendicular lean mass (ALM) by -0.81 kg to -2.63 kg with respect to the young group, indicating expression of major central adiposity and sarcopenia. While our findings underscore the limitations of BMI to detect these differences between age groups, the identification of new tools suitable for this aim is greatly needed in this population. Moreover, further investigation that clarifies the impact of these differences in BC patterns between gender and age groups on health outcomes is also required.

Prevalence rate of primary osteoporosis in China: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Primary osteoporosis (POP) is recognized as a "silent disease" and often ignored. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of POP in the Chinese population over the past 20 years to raise awareness of the disease's epidemiology, which is hoped to help prevent and treat the condition better.

METHODS

Eight English and three Chinese language databases were searched systematically from January 2002 to December 2023. Relevant data were analysed using Stata 16.0. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed to explore causes of heterogeneity. A funnel plot was further drawn in combination with Egger and Begg tests to determine publication bias.

RESULTS

A total of 45 studies (241,813 participants) were included. The meta-analysis revealed that the overall prevalence of POP in the Chinese population was 18.2% (95% CI: 14.7-21.7%), showing a positive correlation with age. Specifically, prevalence rates were 23.4% (18.3-28.5%) in women and 11.5% (9.1-13.9%) in men. A notable increase was observed within the span of 20 years (16.9% before 2010 and 20.3% in 2011-2020). Notably, regional variations were observed, with southern China reporting a lower prevalence of 16.4% compared to 20.2% in northern China. Meta-regression suggested that sample size significantly influenced the estimation of point prevalence (P = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

Over the past two decades, there has been an increase in the prevalence of POP within the Chinese population. The growing prevalence of older individuals and women further highlights the urgency for tailored disease prevention and control measures.

Animal protein hydrolysate reduces visceral fat and inhibits insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in aged mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

An increasing life expectancy in society has burdened healthcare systems substantially because of the rising prevalence of age-related metabolic diseases. This study compared the effects of animal protein hydrolysate (APH) and casein on metabolic diseases using aged mice.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Eight-week-old and 50-week-old C57BL/6J mice were used as the non-aged (YC group) and aged controls (NC group), respectively. The aged mice were divided randomly into 3 groups (NC, low-APH [LP], and high-APH [HP] and fed each experimental diet for 12 weeks. In the LP and HP groups, casein in the AIN-93G diet was substituted with 16 kcal% and 24 kcal% APH, respectively. The mice were sacrificed when they were 63-week-old, and plasma and hepatic lipid, white adipose tissue weight, hepatic glucose, lipid, and antioxidant enzyme activities, immunohistochemistry staining, and mRNA expression related to the glucose metabolism on liver and muscle were analyzed.

RESULTS

Supplementation of APH in aging mice resulted in a significant decrease in visceral fat (epididymal, perirenal, retroperitoneal, and mesenteric fat) compared to the negative control (NC) group. The intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and area under the curve analysis revealed insulin resistance in the NC group, which was alleviated by APH supplementation. APH supplementation reduced hepatic gluconeogenesis and increased glucose utilization in the liver and muscle. Furthermore, APH supplementation improved hepatic steatosis by reducing the hepatic fatty acid and phosphatidate phosphatase activity while increasing the hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity. Furthermore, in the APH supplementation groups, the red blood cell (RBC) thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hepatic H2O2 levels decreased, and the RBC glutathione, hepatic catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities increased.

CONCLUSIONS

APH supplementation reduced visceral fat accumulation and alleviated obesity-related metabolic diseases, including insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis, in aged mice. Therefore, high-quality animal protein APH that reduces the molecular weight and enhances the protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score has potential as a dietary supplement for healthy aging.

Exploring Handgrip Strength as a Cross-cultural Correlate of Body Composition and Upper Body Strength in Older Adults from Costa Rica and Kansas

Sarcopenia and disability in older adults are often characterized by body composition measurements; however, the gold standard of body composition measurement, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), is expensive to acquire and maintain, making its use in low and middle income countries (LMIC) it out-of-reach in developing nations. Because these LMIC will bear a disproportionate amount of chronic disease burden due to global aging trends, it is important that reliable, low-cost surrogates need to be developed. Handgrip strength (HGS) is a reliable measure of disability in older adults but has not been used widely in diverse populations. This study compared HGS to multiple measurements of body composition in older adults from the US (Kansas) and a middle-income country (Costa Rica) to test if HGS is a cross-culturally appropriate predictive measure that yields reliable estimates across developed and developing nations. Percent body fat (%BF), lean tissue mass index (LTMI), appendicular lean soft tissue index (ALSTI), body fat mass index (BFMI), bone mineral density (BMD), and HGS were measured in older Costa Ricans (n = 78) and Kansans (n = 100). HGS predicted lean arm mass with equal accuracy for both samples (p ≤ 0.05 for all groups), indicating that it is a reliable, low-cost and widely available estimate of upper body lean muscle mass. Older adults from Costa Rica showed different body composition overall and HGS than controls from Kansas. Handgrip operates equivalently in the US and Mesoamerica and is a valid estimate of lean arm muscle mass as derived by the more expensive DEXA.

Comparison of the effect of Dapagliflozin and Pioglitazone on the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with Type-2 diabetes

Objective

Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and osteoporosis, which increase with age, are two common diseases with different complications. The risk of fractures due to osteoporosis is 2 to 6 times higher in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Medications used in the treatment of DM in addition to the disease itself are associated with the risk of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. This study was planned to examine the effects of pioglitazone and dapagliflozin, used in the treatment of T2DM, on the development of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Methods

This single-centre comparative study was conducted at Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Polyclinic of a Hospital between April 15, 2019 and April 15, 2020, with a total of 80 postmenopausal female patients with a diagnosis of T2DM and 20 in the control group, aged between 50 and 70. The participants were evaluated under four groups: "Control" without diabetes mellitus (n=20), "Pioglitazone" using (n=30), "Dapagliflozin" using (n=30), and "Other Oral Antidiabetic" using (n=20).

Results

The mean age of the participants was 61.32±6.27 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the hip and waist T-score values of participants with T2DM in the study (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in waist and hip t-score values between the intervention groups. Pioglitazone and dapagliflozin used in postmenopausal T2DM patients were determined not to make a significant difference in waist and hip bone mineral density values.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that pioglitazone and dapagliflozin can be used in postmenopausal T2DM individuals without known osteoporosis and other osteoporosis risk factors.

The Impact of Age and Body Composition on Bone Density among Office Worker Women in Hungary

The study's aim was to investigate bone condition and see its associations with body composition and age among office worker women in Hungary. In total, 316 individuals participated in this study from Csongrad-Csanad county in 2019. Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 62, with a mean of 41 years. A questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic information, whereas body composition was measured using the Inbody 230, and bone density and bone quality were measured with the SONOST 3000 ultrasound device. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test, correlation analysis, and an independent sample t-test. The results show that Body Fat Mass, Body Mass Index, Obesity Degree, and Percent Body Fat increase significantly as age increases, and Bone Quality Index and t-score decrease substantially. Furthermore, Bone Density and Bone Quality Index were positively influenced by most components of body composition. The differences between normal and osteopenia bone quality showed that Basal Metabolic Rate, Bone Mineral Content, Fat-Free Mass, Mineral Mass, Skeletal Lean Mass, and Skeletal Muscle Mass were lower in participants with osteopenia. Our results provide more evidence of the effects of body composition and age on bone density and quality. It was the first study in Hungary investigating this phenomenon, which could be useful for professionals and researchers who intend to understand the associations of bone density.

Predictive equations for fat mass in older Hispanic adults with excess adiposity using the 4-compartment model as a reference method

BACKGROUND

Predictive equations are the best option for assessing fat mass in clinical practice due to their low cost and practicality. However, several factors, such as age, excess adiposity, and ethnicity can compromise the accuracy of the equations reported to date in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate two predictive equations for estimating fat mass: one based exclusively on anthropometric variables, the other combining anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance variables using the 4C model as the reference method.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study that included 386 Hispanic subjects aged ≥60 with excess adiposity. Fat mass and fat-free mass were measured by the 4C model as predictive variables. Age, sex, and certain anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance data were considered as potential predictor variables. To develop and to validate the equations, the multiple linear regression analysis, and cross-validation protocol were applied.

RESULTS

Equation 1 included weight, sex, and BMI as predictor variables, while equation 2 considered sex, weight, height squared/resistance, and resistance as predictor variables. R2 and RMSE values were ≥0.79 and ≤3.45, respectively, in both equations. The differences in estimates of fat mass by equations 1 and 2 were 0.34 kg and -0.25 kg, respectively, compared to the 4C model. This bias was not significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The new predictive equations are reliable for estimating body composition and are interchangeable with the 4C model. Thus, they can be used in epidemiological and clinical studies, as well as in clinical practice, to estimate body composition in older Hispanic adults with excess adiposity.

Multicompartment body composition analysis in older adults: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

During aging, changes occur in the proportions of muscle, fat, and bone. Body composition (BC) alterations have a great impact on health, quality of life, and functional capacity. Several equations to predict BC using anthropometric measurements have been developed from a bi-compartmental (2-C) approach that determines only fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM). However, these models have several limitations, when considering constant density, progressive bone demineralization, and changes in the hydration of the FFM, as typical changes during senescence. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to propose and validate a new multi-compartmental anthropometric model to predict fat, bone, and musculature components in older adults of both sexes.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 100 older adults of both sexes. To determine the dependent variables (fat mass [FM], bone mineral content [BMC], and appendicular lean soft tissue [ALST]) whole total and regional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) body scans were performed. Twenty-nine anthropometric measures and sex were appointed as independent variables. Models were developed through multivariate linear regression. Finally, the predicted residual error sum of squares (PRESS) statistic was used to measure the effectiveness of the predicted value for each dependent variable.

RESULTS

An equation was developed to simultaneously predict FM, BMC, and ALST from only four variables: weight, half-arm span (HAS), triceps skinfold (TriSK), and sex. This model showed high coefficients of determination and low estimation errors (FM: R²_adj: 0.83 and SEE: 3.16; BMC: R²_adj: 0.61 and SEE: 0.30; ALST: R²_adj: 0.85 and SEE: 1.65).

CONCLUSION

The equations provide a reliable, practical, and low-cost instrument to monitor changes in body components during the aging process. The internal cross-validation method PRESS presented sufficient reliability in the model as an inexpensive alternative for clinical field use.

Increased fat mass negatively influences femoral neck bone mineral density in men but not women

BACKGROUND

Obesity is known to be a protective factor against osteoporosis. However, recent studies have shown that excessive adiposity may be detrimental for bone health.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association of lean mass (LM) and fat mass (FM) with bone mineral density (BMD) in Thais.

METHODS

Bone density studies of consecutive patients of Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand between 2010 and 2015 were reviewed. LM, FM, lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) BMD were measured. Lean mass index (LMI) and fat mass index (FMI) were calculated [LMI=LM (kg)/height (m)², FMI=FM (kg)/height (m)²] and analyzed to determine the association with LS and FN BMD using multiple regression analysis. This study was approved by the institutional ethical committee (HE42116).

RESULTS

A total of 831 participants were included. The mean ± SD age was 50.0 ± 16.3 years. In men, LMI (per 1 kg/m² increase) was positively correlated with FN BMD (g/cm², β 0.033) and LS BMD (g/cm², β 0.031), after adjusting for age, height and FMI. Whereas FMI (per 1 kg/m² increase) was negatively correlated with FN BMD (g/cm², β -0.015) but not with LS BMD (g/cm², β 0.005) after adjusting for age, height and LMI. In women, both LMI and FMI were positively correlated with LS BMD (g/cm², LMI: β 0.012; FMI: β 0.016) and FN BMD (g/cm², LMI: β 0.034; FMI: β 0.007) with age, height, LMI and FMI included in the model.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that FM has a sex-specific influence on BMD in Thais.

Evaluation of Geriatric Sarcopenia and Nutrition in the Case of Cachexia before Exitus: An Observational Study for Health Professionals

It is important to assess the physical and nutritional status of the body using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA) in patients with cachexia; however, the correlation between cachexia and nutritional evaluations remains unclear. The objective of this study is to follow the effects of diet therapy in patients with cachexia/sarcopenia, using parameters measured by BIA, clinical parameters, and other nutrition-related assessments in patients with osteoporosis. This study aims to clarify the correlation between BIA-measured parameters, clinical parameters, and other nutrition-related assessments. Methods: Measurements of body composition, a clinical assessment of the sarcopenia/cachexia, and nutritional goal setting/a nutrition care process were performed. Results: The number of subjects was 200, of which 15 people (7.5%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia/cachexia. Univariate analyses showed that participants with a high body-fat mass tend to develop sarcopenic obesity (p = 0.029), those who lost a significant and progressive amount of muscle mass tend to develop sarcopenia (p = 0.001), as well as those with malnutrition (p < 0.001). The regression study shows not only the correlation but also the cause of the correlation, as is the case with obesity. As obesity increases, so does the sarcopenic index (this can explain sarcopenic obesity), and as fat mass decreases it leads to muscle mass loss, increasing the risk of cachexia with age. Conclusions: There was an improvement, but statistically insignificant, in cachexia and the nutritional objectives (p > 0.05); at the same time, correlations were established between the independent parameters (sex, age) and malnutrition parameters (hemoglobin and amylase) with the parameters of the research.

The Relationship between Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density of Female Workers in A Unit of Tai’an

Objective. To explore the relationship between body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) of female workers in a university of Tai’an. Methods. This study randomly selected 90 female employees in a university of Tai’an. The body composition was monitored by body composition analyzer (inbody770), and the lumbar bone mineral density was monitored by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (BMD model). The data were analyzed by SPSS 22.0 statistical software. Results. With the increasing of body mass index (BMI), BMD of female lumbar spines 1-4 (L1-4) increased gradually. Spearman correlation analysis showed that BMI, skeletal muscle mass, upper limb muscle mass, trunk muscle mass, lower limb muscle mass, and whole-body phase angle were positively correlated with L1-4BMD. Age was negatively correlated with L1-4BMD. Linear regression analysis showed that age was a negative factor of L1-4BMD, and skeletal muscle mass was a protective factor of abnormal bone mass, especially lower limb muscle mass. Conclusions. Lower limb muscle mass is a protective factor of female BMD. Strengthening physical exercise to improve lower limb muscle mass is conducive to the prevention of female osteoporosis.

The relationship between insulin resistance, bone mineral density, and fracture risk in postmenopausal women

Background/Aim. Skeletal muscles and bones are essential tissues that, in addition to supporting the body, are the primary site of postprandial glucose intake, which is significantly associated with insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of insulin resistance on bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk and re-evaluate the relationship between muscle properties and BMD and insulin resistance in postmenopausal women in Serbia. Methods. Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated in postmenopausal women who were divided into two groups. The ?cut-off? value of insulin resistance for the group with ?Low HOMA-IR? was < 2, and for ?High HOMA-IR? > 2. Fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), and BMD were measured on the hip and spine using a densitometer with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results. FM and LM had an evident impact on BMD. The decrease in LM and fat buildup was associated with a higher incidence of insulin resistance. A positive correlation was confirmed between HOMA-IR and BMD on the spine and hip, but there was no correlation between insulin resistance and fracture risk. Conclusion. LM and FM have significant effects on BMD. The association between LM, FM, BMD and the onset of insulin resistance in postmenopausal women is confirmed. However, women with higher insulin resistance levels and higher BMD do not have a lower fracture risk.

Effects of sex, tobacco smoking, and alcohol consumption osteoporosis development: Evidence from Taiwan biobank participants

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporosis is major public health concern, but the long-term impacts of tobacco and alcohol consumption on its development are unclear. This study analyzed the relationship between tobacco and alcohol use and osteoporosis by using data from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB), established in 2012.

METHODS

Participants in TWB were included in our study, with a total of 18394 respondents included for analysis. To investigate the relationship between tobacco and alcohol use and osteoporosis, we surveyed their bone mineral density (BMD), consumption of tobacco and alcohol and other covariate data.

RESULTS

We found that participants in the tobacco smoking only group (OR=1.24; 95% CI: 1.08–1.42, p=0.003) and the group that both smoked and consumed alcohol (OR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.09–1.77, p=0.008) were more likely to develop osteoporosis than were participants who neither drank alcohol nor smoked. Menopause is strongly associated with osteoporosis in women, and we found that women who used alcohol or tobacco were not at a significantly higher risk than those in the reference group (tobacco only, OR=1.15; 95% CI: 0.86–1.53, p=0.345; both tobacco and alcohol, OR=0.61; 95% CI: 0.14–2.60, p=0.5040). However, men in these groups were at a significantly higher risk than the reference group (tobacco only, OR=1.26; 95% CI: 1.07–1.48, p=0.006; both tobacco and alcohol, OR=1.32; 95% CI: 1.03–1.70, p=0.030). Menopause was a significant risk factor for osteoporosis (OR=2.46; 95% CI: 1.77–3.41, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The influence of tobacco use on osteoporosis was significant, particularly in men, but the effects of alcohol consumption were equivocal in our study. The interactions between tobacco use, alcohol use, and menopausal status on osteoporosis should be considered in future studies.

Association between obesity and risk of fracture, bone mineral density and bone quality in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The association between obesity and fracture risk may be skeletal site- and sex-specific but results among studies are inconsistent. Whilst several studies reported higher bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with obesity, altered bone quality could be a major determinant of bone fragility in this population.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare, in men, premenopausal women and postmenopausal women with obesity vs. individuals without obesity: 1) the incidence of fractures overall and by site; 2) BMD; and 3) bone quality parameters (circulating bone turnover markers and bone microarchitecture and strength by advanced imaging techniques).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched from inception of databases until the 13th of January 2021.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Each outcome was stratified by sex and menopausal status in women. The meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model with inverse-variance method. The risks of hip and wrist fracture were reduced by 25% (n = 8: RR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.91, P = 0.003, I2 = 95%) and 15% (n = 2 studies: RR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.81, 0.88), respectively, while ankle fracture risk was increased by 60% (n = 2 studies: RR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.52, 1.68) in postmenopausal women with obesity compared with those without obesity. In men with obesity, hip fracture risk was decreased by 41% (n = 5 studies: RR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.79). Obesity was associated with increased BMD, better bone microarchitecture and strength, and generally lower or unchanged circulating bone resorption, formation and osteocyte markers. However, heterogeneity among studies was high for most outcomes, and overall quality of evidence was very low to low for all outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis highlights areas for future research including the need for site-specific fracture studies, especially in men and premenopausal women, and studies comparing bone microarchitecture between individuals with and without obesity.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020159189.

Effect of body mass index on bone mineral density is age-specific

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Obesity and osteoporosis are two important and growing public health problems worldwide. Body mass index (BMI) has been found to be inversely related to the risk of osteoporotic fracture. We aimed to assess the association of BMI with thoracic vertebral bone mineral density (BMD) measured from a quantitative computed tomography (QCT).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively evaluated the data from 15,758 consecutive patients (5675 females and 10,083 males) between age 20-90 years, who underwent Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scoring. Quantitative data analyses of thoracic trabecular BMD (mg/cm³) was performed with a phantom system or phantomless using validated software. The gender-specific subgroup was divided based on age (<45, 45-55, 55-65, >65 yrs in females; <40,40-60,>60 yrs in Males) and weight by BMI (kg/m²) as < 25 (normal or low weight), >25 - <30 (overweight) and >30 (obesity). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe's post hoc procedure tested the association of body weight/BMI on BMD. A significant positive association between the body weight and BMD existed in obese population in elder groups in both genders (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in BMD in 40-60 years in men and <55 years in women with normal or low weight compared to overweight or obese cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that the effect of weight on BMD is age-specific and the BMD should be monitored routinely with a cardiac CT scan in the senile population.

Long-term changes in body composition and their relationships with cardiometabolic risk factors: A population-based cohort study

The aim of the present study was to classify the latent body fat trajectories of Chinese adults and their relationships with cardiometabolic risk factors. Data were obtained from the China Health Nutrition Survey for 3,013 participants, who underwent six follow-up visits between 1993 and 2009. Skinfold thickness and other anthropometric indicators were used to estimate body composition. The latent growth model was used to create fat mass to fat-free mass ratio (F2FFMR) trajectory groups. Blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high- and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were measured in venous blood after an overnight fast. Logistic regression was used to explore the relationships of F2FFMR trajectory with cardiometabolic risk factors. In men, four types of F2FFMR trajectory were identified. After adjustment for behavioral and lifestyle factors, age, and weight status, and compared with the Low stability group, the High stability group showed a significant association with diabetes. In women, three types of F2FFMR trajectory were identified. Compared to the Low stability group, the High stability group showed significant associations with diabetes and hypertension after adjustment for the same covariates as in men. Thus, in this long-term study we have identified three F2FFMR trajectory groups in women and four in men. In both sexes, the highly stable F2FFMR is associated with the highest risk of developing diabetes, independent of age and body mass. In addition, in women, it is associated with the highest risk of hypertension, independent of age and body mass.

Age-related trabecular bone loss is associated with a decline in serum Galectin-1 level

BACKGROUND

Senile osteoporosis with age-related bone loss is diagnosed depending on radiographic changes of bone and bone mineral density (BMD) measurement. However, radiographic alterations are usually signs of medium-late stage osteoporosis. Therefore, biomarkers have been proposed as indicators of bone loss. In the current study, Galectin-1 (Gal-1) showed age-related decline in mice serum. The role of Gal-1 in osteoporosis has not been investigated so far. Hence, the current study illustrated the relationship of serum Gal-1 level with bone loss.

METHODS

We employed 6- and 18-month-old mice to establish an animal model of age-related trabecular bone loss, whose bone density and microstructure were investigated by micro-CT. ELISA was used to measure the levels of Gal-1 in serum. The correlation analysis was performed to illustrate the relationship between serum Gal-1 levels and trabecular bone loss. In addition, immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the abundance of Gal-1 in bone marrow of mice. ELISA and western blot were performed to measure the secretion ability and protein expression of Gal-1 in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC), hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and myeloid progenitor (MP) respectively. Flow cytometry was used to measure BMSC number in bone marrow. Finally, male volunteers with age-related BMD decrease were recruited and the relationship between serum Gal-1 and BMD was analyzed.

RESULTS

Gal-1 showed age-related decline in mice serum. Serum Gal-1 was positively associated with BV/TV of femur, tibia and L1 vertebrae in mice. BMSC secreted more Gal-1 compared with HSC and MP. BMSC number in bone marrow was significantly lower in aged mice compared with young mice. Significant attenuation of Gal-1 protein expression was observed in BMSC and HSC from aged mice compared with young mice. Further, we found a decline in serum Gal-1 levels in men with age-related BMD decrease. There was positive correlation between BMD and serum Gal-1 levels in these men.

CONCLUSIONS

Age-related trabecular bone loss is associated with a decline in serum Gal-1 level in mice and men. Our study suggested Gal-1 had great potential to be a biomarker for discovering BMSC senescence, diagnosing early osteoporosis and monitoring trabecular bone loss.

Trends and Inequalities in Overall and Abdominal Obesity by Sociodemographic Factors in Korean Adults, 1998-2018

Few studies have comprehensively examined the nationwide trends in overall and abdominal obesity prevalence and related sociodemographic inequalities in Korea. In the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1998–2018, we estimated the age-standardized prevalence of overall (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m²) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference ≥ 90 cm men, ≥85 cm women) in each sociodemographic subgroup of Korean adults (aged 19–79 years). For each survey year, weighted logistic regression was performed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between obesity prevalence and sociodemographic factors. During the study period, the prevalence of overall and abdominal obesity increased in men (24.8% to 42.4%; 20.1% to 32.1%; respectively) but only a small change was observed in women (26.5% to 26.0%; 22.7% to 20.9%; respectively). Obesity prevalence increased in all sociodemographic groups of men but varied across groups in women. In women, income (4th vs. 1st quartiles in 2016–2018: OR (95% CI) = 0.66 (0.56–0.78) overall obesity; 0.60 (0.51–0.71) abdominal obesity) and education (college or higher vs. high school or less: 0.62 (0.54–0.72) overall obesity; 0.58 (0.50–0.68) abdominal obesity) were inversely associated with obesity prevalence, and the gaps became more pronounced since 2007. Our data suggest that the inequalities in obesity prevalence by sex and by socioeconomic status have become more apparent over time in Korea.

Association of Insulin Glargine Treatment with Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

PURPOSE

To assess the association of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insulin glargine treatment with bone mineral density (BMD) in Chinese people.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 50 subjects with T2DM: 25 received oral glucose-lowering medication (ORL group), and 25 received oral glucose-lowering medication in combination with insulin glargine injection (CGI group). Thirty non-diabetic control subjects were also included. BMD was measured at lumbar vertebrae 1-4 (L1-L4), spine bone mineral density (sBMD) results summary (L2-L4), femoral neck and trochanter by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

Compared with non-diabetic controls, people with T2DM had significantly lower mean BMD at L2 (1.073±0.120 vs 0.984±0.158), L3 (1.094±0.129 vs 0.991±0.163) and L4 (1.089±0.130 vs 0.982±0.165) (all P<0.05), significantly lower levels of serum calcium (2.02±0.22 vs 2.27±0.17 mmol/L, P<0.05), PTH (24.19±9.71 vs 31.52±8.96 pg/mL, P<0.05), and higher serum phosphate levels (1.43±0.37 vs 1.20±0.15 mmol/L, P<0.05). The CGI group had higher L2, L3 and L4 BMD and sBMD (L2-L4) (P<0.05), higher serum calcium levels (2.19±0.11 vs 1.98±0.20 mmol/L, P<0.05) and lower serum phosphate levels (1.28±0.20 vs 1.58±0.43 mmol/L, P<0.05) versus the ORL group. BMD and serum calcium levels were associated with the application of insulin glargine.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that insulin glargine may affect bone metabolism in patients diagnosed with T2DM. The study has implications for the selection of hypoglycemic agents for diabetic patients at risk of osteoporosis.

Association between Bone Mineral Density and Nutritional Status, Body Composition and Bone Metabolism in Older Adults

PURPOSE

To identify an association between bone mineral density (BMD) and nutritional status, body composition and bone metabolism in older patients.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study, involving older adults, with osteopenia/osteoporosis and with normal BMD. The mineral density of the lumbar spine from L1 to L4 and the proximal region of the femur was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Biochemical analyzes were performed of 25(OH)-D, calcium and parathormone. Weight, knee height, and abdominal (AC), mid-upper arm (MUAC) and calf (CC) circumferences were measured. The percentage of body fat (%BF) and Fat-Free Mass (FFM) were quantified by electrical bioimpedance analysis. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The statistical analysis used bivariate and multivariate, parametric and/or non-parametric tests, and was considered significant when p <0.05.

RESULTS

Of the total 51 older adults assessed, 30 of them (58.8%) were diagnosed with osteopenia/osteoporosis. Body weight (p = 0.001), BMI (p = 0.001), % BF (p = 0.030) and serum concentrations of 25(OH)-D (p = 0.003) were higher in the group without changes in BMD. BMI and serum levels of 25(OH)-D demonstrated a positive correlation with the BMD of all bone compartments and the AC displayed a positive correlation with the lumbar vertebrae. In the logistic regression models, adjusted for sex and age, the BMI and the serum concentration of 25(OH)-D were presented as a protective factor against osteopenia/osteoporosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher body weight, BMI, AC and %BF, and sufficient serum levels of vitamin D, were shown to be promoters of BMD.

DXA-Derived Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) in Elderly: Percentiles of Reference for Gender and Association with Metabolic Outcomes

This study aimed to establish the Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)-derived Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) reference values for gender and assess the metabolic outcomes associated to the VAT in a cohort of elderly patients. The sample included 795 elderly patients (226/569: men/women) aged 65-100 years (mean age 80.9 ± 7.5ys). Body composition measures and VAT were assessed by DXA and Core-Scan software. Biochemical analysis and a multidimensional comprehensive geriatric assessment were performed. VAT percentiles at the level of 5, 25, 50, 75, 95 were found in males at the following levels: 246, 832, 1251, 1769, 3048 cm3 and for females at 99, 476, 775, 1178, 2277 cm3. Moreover, this study showed that DXA-VAT was associated to a worsening of lipid, glycemic, hematocrit and kidney profile. Further studies will be needed in order to implement these findings in order to define the (DXA)-derived VAT levels associated to the frailty related risk factors in elderly.

Age-Related Changes in Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density and Their Relationship with the Duration of Diabetes and Glycaemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE

To investigate age-related changes in body composition (BC) and bone mineral density (BMD) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and analyse whether diabetes duration or glycaemic control affects these factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We enrolled 1474 hospitalized T2D patients (817 males and 657 females; 45-85 years). BC and BMD were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Patients were stratified into age groups: 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, and ≥75 years. Continuous variables were compared using t-tests or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and categorical variables were compared using chi-square tests. Effects of age, diabetes duration, and haemoglobin A_1C (HbA_1c) on BC and BMD were assessed with multiple linear regression models.

RESULTS

In T2D, in females, changes in fat mass index (FMI) were positively correlated with age, while changes in lean mass index (LMI) were unrelated to age. Changes in FMI or LMI in males were unrelated to age. For regional BC distribution, changes in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were positively correlated with age for both males and females, while changes in appendage lean mass (ALM) were negatively correlated with age. For BMD, changes in total BMD (TBMD) in males were not correlated with age, while changes in lumbar spine BMD (LBMD) were positively correlated with age, and femoral neck BMD (FNBMD) was negatively correlated with age. Changes in BMD in all parts of females were negatively correlated with age. In addition, changes in BC and BMD were unrelated to diabetes duration, and HbA_1c was mainly associated with decreases in lean mass but had little effect on other BC and BMD parameters.

CONCLUSION

In T2D, changes in BC and BMD were associated with age but not diabetes duration. A higher HbA_1c is associated with lower lean mass.

Longitudinal Changes in Muscle Mass and Strength, and Bone Mass in Older Adults: Gender-Specific Associations Between Muscle and Bone Losses

Background

The aims of this study were to investigate the longitudinal changes in muscle and bone with aging, and to clarify the muscle-bone relationships.

Methods

In a community-based prospective study, a total of 172 men and 165 women aged ≥ 65 years who had performed body composition analysis and bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline and 5-year follow-up evaluations were included.

Results

The rate of BMD loss in total hip was significantly associated with baseline legs lean mass and loss rate of leg strength, but not with the rate of muscle mass losses in men (r = .205 in leg lean mass, r = .170 in loss rate of leg muscle strength, p < .05 respectively). However, in women, it was significantly correlated with the rate of leg lean mass loss, but not with baseline values, and the rate of loss in leg muscle strength (r = .169 in the rate of loss in leg lean mass, r = .246 in the rate of loss in leg muscle strength, p < .05 respectively). In multivariate analyses, the rates of decrease in leg muscle strength showed independent positive associations with loss in total hip BMD in both men and women (β = 0.023 for men and β = 0.045 for women, both p < .05 respectively).

Conclusion

There was a gender difference in muscle and bone mass changes with aging, and muscle-bone interactions as well. However, a longitudinal change in muscle strength was the most significant independent factor associated with bone loss for both genders.

Associations between body mass index, body composition and bone density in young adults: findings from a southern Brazilian cohort

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the association of body composition components and obesity with bone density.

METHODS

Prospective study with data on 2968 members of the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort from follow-ups at 18 and 22 years of age. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD, g/cm²) was evaluated for whole body, lumbar spine, and femoral neck at 22 years using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Simple and multiple linear regression, stratified by sex, were used to assess the effect of BMI, fat mass (FMI) and lean mass index (LMI), evaluated at 18 and 22 years, and obesity trajectories classified by FMI and categorized as "never", "only at 18 years", "only at 22 years" or "always" on aBMD.

RESULTS

Among men, the largest coefficients were observed for BMI, followed by lean mass and fat mass. Compared to fat mass, lean mass presented the largest coefficients for all sites, with the strongest associations observed for the femoral neck (β: 0.035 g/cm²; 95% CI: 0.031; 0.039 for both follow-ups), while the largest effect for FMI was observed for whole-body aBMD at 18 years (β: 0.019 g/cm²; 95% CI: 0.014; 0.024). Among women, the strongest associations were observed for LMI. The largest coefficients for LMI and FMI were observed for femoral neck at age 18, presented β: 0.030 g/cm², 95% CI: 0.026, 0.034 for LMI and β: 0.012 g/cm²; 95% CI: 0.009; 0.015) for FMI. Men who were "always obese" according to FMI had smallest aBMD for spine (β: -0.014; 95%CI: - 0.029; - 0.001). Women who were obese "only at 18 years" had smallest aBMD for the whole-body (β: -0.013; 95%CI: - 0.023; - 0.002), whereas those who were obese "only at 22 years" had larger whole-body and femoral neck aBMD (β: 0.013; 95%CI: 0.009; 0.017 and β: 0.027; 95%CI: 0.016; 0.038, respectively) and those "always obese" for whole-body aBMD (β: 0.005; 95%CI: 0.001; 0.011) compared to the reference category.

CONCLUSIONS

The indexes were positively associated with aBMD in this sample. Fat mass had smaller positive influence on these outcomes than lean mass, suggesting the most important body composition component for bone density is the lean mass.

Associations of obesity and weight change with physical and mental impairments in elderly Chinese people

OBJECTIVE

To examine the associations between anthropometric measurements and functional impairments in a sample of urban elderly Chinese people.

METHODS

In two population-based cohort studies, the Shanghai Women's Health Study (SWHS) and Shanghai Men's Health Study (SMHS), 11,505 men and 17,166 women aged 70-88 years at the time of the functional assessment were studied. Weight history was collected and anthropometric data were taken at study enrollment (from 1996 to 2000 for the SWHS, 2002-2006 for the SMHS). Information on functional status and current weight was collected at the most recent follow-up survey (from 2011 to 2015). Logistic regression analyses were applied to estimate the associations of body mass index (BMI), waist-hip-ratio (WHR), and weight changes with functional decline.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 14.4 years (range 5.4-18.2 years), we found that BMI/WHR at or after middle age, and weight gain during adulthood were significantly associated with impaired walking ability and mental functioning. Being underweight after age 70 was associated with poorer hearing and/or vision as well as poorer memory. The associations between obesity and functional impairment were generally not modified by sex, comorbidity or exercise.

CONCLUSION

Weight gain, obesity at or after middle age, and underweight after age 70 were associated with physical and mental functional impairments among elderly Chinese people. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining healthy weight to reduce age-related functional decline.

The relationship between adiposity, bone density and microarchitecture is maintained in young women irrespective of diabetes status

BACKGROUND

The relationship between bone health and adiposity and how it may be affected in people with chronic metabolic conditions is complex.

METHODS

Seventeen women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and nine age-matched healthy women with a median age of 22.6 years (range, 17.4, 23.8) were studied by 3T MRI and MR spectroscopy to assess abdominal adiposity, tibial bone microarchitecture and vertebral bone marrow adiposity (BMA). Additional measures included DXA-based assessments of total body (TB), femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS) bone mineral density (BMD) and fat mass (FM).

RESULTS

Although women with T1DM had similar BMI and BMA to the controls, they had higher visceral and subcutaneous adiposity on MRI (P<.05) and total body FM by DXA (P=.03). Overall, in the whole cohort, a clear inverse association was evident between BMA and BMD at all sites (P<.05). These associations remained significant after adjusting for age, BMI, FM and abdominal adiposity. In addition, visceral adiposity, but not subcutaneous adiposity, showed a positive association with BMA (r, .4, P=.03), and a negative association with total body BMD (r, .5, P=.02). Apparent trabecular separation as assessed by MRI showed an inverse association to total body BMD by DXA (r, -.4, P=.04).

CONCLUSION

Irrespective of the presence of an underlying metabolic condition, young women display a negative relationship between MRI-measured BMA and DXA-based assessment of BMD. Furthermore, an association between BMA and visceral adiposity supports the notion of a common origin of these two fat depots.

Effects of testosterone replacement therapy on hypogonadal men with osteopenia or osteoporosis: a subanalysis of a prospective randomized controlled study in Japan (EARTH study)

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on bone mineral density (BMD) among hypogonadal men with osteopenia/osteoporosis.

METHODS

From our previous EARTH study population, 74 patients with a clinical diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis and hypogonadism were included in this study, as the TRT (n = 35) and control (n = 34) groups. The TRT group was administered 250 mg of testosterone enanthate injection every 4 weeks for 12 months. The BMD, waist circumference, body mass index, body fat percentage, and muscle volume were measured at baseline and at 12 months. Blood biochemical data, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, and adiponectin values were also evaluated.

RESULTS

At the 12-month visit, BMD significantly increased in both groups. However, comparisons on changes of parameter values from baseline to the 12-month visit between the TRT and control groups were significantly different in BMD (5.0 ± 5.0 vs. 3.0 ± 3.2; p = .0434) and in adiponectin value (-0.90 ± 3.33 vs. 0.10 ± 2.04; p = .0192). There were no significant changes in other parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

TRT for 12 months could improve BMD with a decrease in adiponectin levels among hypogonadal men with osteopenia/osteoporosis.

Age-dependent changes in physical performance and body composition in community-dwelling Japanese older adults

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to describe the age-dependent changes in the parameters of physical performance and body composition in Japanese older adults who are independently dwelling in the community. We also examined whether the age-dependent changes differ among physical performance and body composition parameters.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from 10 092 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 73.6 years; 5296 women) were analyzed. The measures of physical performance included hand-grip strength, the five-times-sit-to-stand test, and walking speed. Body composition parameters (body weight, fat mass, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass) were measured with a bioelectrical impedance analyser. Correlations between age and the physical performance and body composition parameters were tested. The T-scores of physical performance and body composition measurements were calculated and presented according to 5-year age groups to examine the differences in age-dependent changes in physical performance and body composition parameters.

RESULTS

All physical performance measures significantly decreased with aging. The cumulative mean T-scores according to age group showed different age-dependent changes between body mass index (BMI) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) (cumulative mean T-score change of BMI and ASMI of -5.7 to -2.9 and -12.7 to -12.1, respectively). The slope declines in age-associated changes were greater in grip strength (β = -0.77, 95% confidence interval = -0.82 to -0.76) for men and in walking speed (β = -0.95, 95% confidence interval = -0.99 to -0.90) for women.

CONCLUSIONS

The patterns of age-dependent decreases in physical performance measures differed among parameters and between sexes. There is a possibility of a difference in the age-related slope patterns among parameters; decreases in grip strength in men and walking speed in women may be more prominent with advancing age. Furthermore, the decrease in ASMI with age is more striking than that of BMI.

Evaluation of circulating sRAGE in osteoporosis according to BMI, adipokines and fracture risk: a pilot observational study

Background

Osteoporosis is a systemic metabolic disease based on age-dependent imbalance between the rates of bone formation and bone resorption. Recent studies on the pathogenesis of this disease identified that bone remodelling impairment, at the base of osteoporotic bone fragility, could be related to protein glycation, in association to oxidative stress. The glycation reactions lead to the generation of glycation end products (AGEs) which, in turn, accumulates into bone, where they binds to the receptor for AGE (RAGE). The aim of this study is to investigate the potential role of circulating sRAGE in osteoporosis, in particular evaluating the correlation of sRAGE with the fracture risk, in association with bone mineral density, the fracture risk marker FGF23, and lipid metabolism.

Results

Circulating level of soluble RAGE correlate with osteopenia and osteoporosis level. Serum sRAGE resulted clearly associated on the one hand to bone fragility and, on the other hand, with BMI and leptin. sRAGE is particularly informative because serum sRAGE is able to provide, as a single marker, information about both the aspects of osteoporotic disease, represented by bone fragility and lipid metabolism.

Conclusions

The measure serum level of sRAGE could have a potential diagnostic role in the monitoring of osteoporosis progression, in particular in the evaluation of fracture risk, starting from the prevention and screening stage, to the osteopenic level to osteoporosis.

Body Composition Outcomes of a Qigong Intervention Among Community-Dwelling Aging Adults

Aging causes various changes in body composition, which are critical implications for health and physical functioning in aging adults. The aim of this study was to explore the body composition outcomes of a qigong intervention among community-dwelling aging adults. This was a quasi-experimental study in which 90 participants were recruited. Forty-eight participants (experimental group) attended a 30-min qigong program 3 times per week for 12 weeks, whereas 42 participants (control group) continued performing their usual daily activities. The experimental group achieved a greater reduction in the fat mass percentage at the posttest, and exhibited increased fat-free mass, lean body mass percentage, and lean body mass to fat mass ratio compared with the controls. No difference between the two groups in body mass index, fat mass, and lean body mass was observed. These results indicated that the qigong intervention showed beneficial outcomes of body composition among community-dwelling aging adults.

Central and peripheral fat body mass have a protective effect on osteopenia or osteoporosis in adults and elderly?

This cross-sectional study involves randomly selected men aged 50 to 99 years and postmenopausal women. Either central fat mass or peripheral fat mass were associated to osteoporosis or osteopenia independently from fat-free body mass and other confounding factors.

INTRODUCTION

Obesity and osteoporosis are public health problems that probably share common pathophysiological mechanisms. The question if body fat mass, central or peripheral, is protective or harmful for osteoporosis or osteopenia is not completely resolved. This study aims to investigate the association between osteoporosis or osteopenia, and fat body mass (central and peripheral) independently from fat-free body mass, in men aged 50 to 99 years old and postmenopausal women randomly selected in the community.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional investigation with a random sample of registered population in Niterói Family Doctor Program (FDP), State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Bone mineral density (BMD) and fat-free mass were assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

RESULTS

There was statistically significant bivariate association between bone loss with gender, age, skin color, alcohol consumption at risk dose, use of thiazide, fat-free body mass, and fat body mass (central and peripheral). In the multiple analysis of fat-free body mass, central and peripheral fat body mass showed an independent and protective effect on the presence of osteoporosis or osteopenia (p value <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Since both obesity and osteoporosis are public health problems worldwide, strategies aimed at preventing both conditions should be encouraged during aging.

Obesity and related consequences to ageing

Obesity has become a major public health problem. Given the current increase in life expectancy, the prevalence of obesity also raises steadily among older age groups. The increase in life expectancy is often accompanied with additional years of susceptibility to chronic ill health associated with obesity in the elderly. Both obesity and ageing are conditions leading to serious health problems and increased risk for disease and death. Ageing is associated with an increase in abdominal obesity, a major contributor to insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. Obesity in the elderly is thus a serious concern and comprehension of the key mechanisms of ageing and age-related diseases has become a necessary matter. Here, we aimed to identify similarities underlying mechanisms related to both obesity and ageing. We bring together evidence that age-related changes in body fat distribution and metabolism might be key factors of a vicious cycle that can accelerate the ageing process and onset of age-related diseases.

Bone mineral density and diet of teachers of College of Home Economics at Lahore

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and diet of teachers of a Govt. College of Home Economics in Lahore.

METHODS

It was survey research. Purposive sampling technique was adopted for the selection of 50 teachers from Govt. College of Home Economics of age group 30 - 60 years.

RESULTS

About 46% of the subjects had BMD ratio in between -2.58 to -4.0 (Osteoporotic category). The root cause of low BMD ratio was not really age related but in majority of the sample it was due to sedentary life style and lack of awareness about the importance of exercise in relation to bone health.

CONCLUSION

The total mineral and vitamin intake required for bone health (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus & vitamin D) was below the recommended, among majority of the sample.