Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

08:26
Assessing Activity-based Anorexia in Mice
Published on: May 14, 2018
Anorexia nervosa, obesity and bone metabolism
Madhusmita Misra1, Anne Klibanski
1Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. mmisra@partners.org
Pediatric Endocrinology Reviews : PER
|October 2, 2013
Summary
Anorexia nervosa and obesity increase fracture risk by affecting bone density and structure. Adipose tissue distribution and related hormones play a key role in bone metabolism for both conditions.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Bone Metabolism
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa and obesity represent extreme variations in body fat content.
- Both conditions are linked to an elevated risk of fractures.
- Bone health is significantly impacted in individuals with anorexia nervosa and obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review bone metabolism in anorexia nervosa and obesity.
- To explore the relationship between adipose tissue distribution and bone health.
- To examine the role of hormones regulated by body fat in bone density and structure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on anorexia nervosa, obesity, bone metabolism, and adipose tissue.
- Analysis of the impact of body composition on bone density and strength.
- Investigation of hormonal influences on bone health in relation to body fat.
Main Results:
- Anorexia nervosa is associated with low bone density, impaired bone structure, and reduced bone strength, influenced by body composition and hormones.
- Increased marrow adiposity and decreased brown adipose tissue in anorexia nervosa correlate with low bone density.
- Obesity, particularly visceral adiposity, is linked to increased marrow fat, lower bone density, and impaired bone structure.
Conclusions:
- Adipose tissue distribution and associated hormones are critical factors in bone metabolism for both anorexia nervosa and obesity.
- Understanding these relationships is crucial for addressing fracture risk in these populations.
- Further research into targeted interventions based on adipose tissue characteristics may improve bone health outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, an unrelenting pursuit of thinness, and a distorted body image. It often leads to dangerously low body weight relative to an individual's age and height. This disorder is marked by significant physical and psychological consequences, making it one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses.
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...
Bone 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...
Bone 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.
Hormones 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...
Binge Eating Disorders
Binge eating disorder is a significant mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption within a short period, accompanied by a perceived loss of control over eating behavior. Unlike occasional overeating, binge eating disorder is marked by distressing emotions such as guilt, shame, and anxiety following binge episodes. The disorder affects individuals across different ages and backgrounds, with profound implications for physical and psychological...
