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Bone Fracture History in Women With First Episode or With Persistent Anorexia Nervosa
Mariana P Lopes1,2, Sana Ahmed3,4, Lily Beaman5
1Department of Psychological Medicine, Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
Summary
Women with anorexia nervosa (AN) have a significantly higher risk of bone fractures, even in early stages. This highlights the need for early bone health screening and discussion in AN patients.
Area of Science:
- Bone health and osteoporosis research
- Eating disorders and mental health
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with significant health complications, including bone density loss.
- The fracture risk in women with varying durations of AN is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare fracture history in women with first episode AN (FE-AN) and persistent AN (P-AN) against healthy controls (HC).
- To identify factors associated with fracture occurrence in P-AN.
Main Methods:
- 119 women (49 FE-AN, 46 P-AN, 24 HC) completed online questionnaires.
- Data collected included eating disorder symptoms, menstrual history, and fracture history.
Main Results:
- Fracture history was significantly higher in both FE-AN (33.3%) and P-AN (37.8%) groups compared to HC (4.2%).
- P-AN participants were 13.4 times more likely, and FE-AN participants 10.3 times more likely, to report fractures than HC.
- In P-AN, higher BMI, shorter amenorrhea, and pregnancy history were linked to fewer fractures.
Conclusions:
- Increased bone fracture risk exists even in early stages of AN.
- Current guidelines for bone screening in AN may need revision.
- Early dialogue about bone health risks is crucial for AN patients, clinicians, and caregivers.
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