Effect of Body Mass Index on Bone Mineral Density: A Retrospective Review

Abstract

Background: There have been studies investigating the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and bone mineral density (BMD) with findings focused on association between the two variables. The aim of this study was to further investigate the prevalence of osteoporosis and ascertain how BMD varies by gender and age in an average adult Nigerian. Methodology: A total of 68 participants were examined. The participants underwent standard BMD scans of the femur and lumbar using a Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). BMI was measured as weight in kilograms by height in meters square Results: The findings of this study revealed that the prevalence of osteoporosis was 10.3%. There was association between DEXA values and BMI. There was significant difference between age, gender and BMD. BMD scores for femur and lumbar were higher in subjects younger than 45 years compared to subjects in their middle age and elderly. Males have significantly higher BMD values Conclusions: The results suggest lower BMI is an indication for low BMD. BMD can be used for screening test for osteoporosis. Female gender is more prone to osteoporosis. Age is a factor to consider as middle aged and elderly subjects more at risk of osteoporosis. Key words: Dexa scan, body mass index, osteoporosis