Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
09:36
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
The relationship between bone mass and body composition in children with hypothalamic and simple obesity
M Guftar Shaikh1, Nicola Crabtree, Jeremy M W Kirk
1Department of Endocrinology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow, UK.
Clinical Endocrinology
|June 11, 2013
Summary
Childhood obesity is linked to bone mass, but the relationship is complex. Studies show elevated leptin and adiponectin in hypothalamic obesity, yet no significant bone mass differences were observed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Obesity positively influences bone mass via mechanical load and hormones like leptin.
- Conflicting reports exist on fat mass and bone mass associations in children.
- Hypothalamic damage can lead to obesity through impaired leptin signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate body composition and bone mass in hypothalamic and simple childhood obesity.
- Examine the role of adipocytokines leptin and adiponectin in these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing three groups: hypothalamic obesity (HO), congenital hypopituitarism (CH), and simple obesity (SO).
- Assessed body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
- Measured serum leptin and adiponectin levels.
Main Results:
- No significant bone mass differences were found after adjusting for body size.
- Significantly elevated leptin and adiponectin levels observed in the HO group compared to the SO group.
- Hyperleptinemia was present in the HO group.
Conclusions:
- Adiposity is associated with increased bone mass, but the relationship is complex.
- Increased bone mass was not observed in the HO group despite hyperleptinemia.
- Other factors like adiponectin, hypothalamic dysfunction, and pituitary deficiencies may influence bone mass.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Obesity
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:29Bone Disorders
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
01:40Bone Remodeling
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
01:02Hypodermis
The hypodermis (the subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia) is present directly below the dermis. It connects the skin to the underlying fascia (fibrous tissue) of the bones and muscles. It is not strictly a part of the skin, although the border between the hypodermis and dermis can be difficult to distinguish. The hypodermis consists of well-vascularized, loose, areolar connective tissue and adipose tissue, which functions as a mode of fat storage and provides insulation and cushioning for...