Factors predictive of bone mineral density in eating-disordered women: a longitudinal study

Osteoporosis in eating-disordered women is well established, but factors predictive of this condition have proved elusive. The roles of behavioral factors, weight, menstrual status, and the degree of bone mineral density change over the clinical course of the eating disorder were investigated

A cohort of 56 eating-disordered women was subjected to bone mineral density measurement at Scan 1 and were followed up between 9 and 51 months later for repeat measurement (n = 10) at Scan 2.

High levels of reduced bone mineral density were observed. Total duration of amenorrhea, body mass index, frequency of vomiting, and cigarette and alcohol consumption accounted for 40% of the variance in spinal bone mineral density measurement at Scan 1. No significant changes in bone mineral density were observed at Scan 2 despite increases in body mass index.

The results suggest that increases in weight appear not to be sufficient to increase bone mineral density.