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Causal relationship between childhood obesity and osteoporosis: A STROBE two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Chaoshun Zheng1, Taiqiu Chen1, Longsheng Zhang2
1Department of Orthropedics II, Jieyang People's Hospital, Jieyang, China.
Medicine
|April 4, 2025
Summary
Childhood obesity may reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. This Mendelian randomization study found a significant causal link, suggesting obesity in children could lower osteoporosis incidence.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- The relationship between childhood obesity and osteoporosis remains unclear.
- Understanding this link is crucial for public health and pediatric bone health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal effect of childhood obesity on osteoporosis.
- To utilize a robust genetic epidemiology approach to clarify this association.
Main Methods:
- Employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design.
- Utilized summary-level data from genome-wide association studies for childhood obesity and osteoporosis in European populations.
- Inverse-variance weighted analysis was the primary statistical method, supplemented by sensitivity and heterogeneity analyses.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant inverse causal relationship was observed between childhood obesity and osteoporosis (OR 0.9985, P=0.0087).
- Mendelian randomization analysis indicated that higher genetic predisposition to childhood obesity is associated with a reduced risk of osteoporosis.
- Sensitivity and heterogeneity analyses supported the robustness and reliability of the findings.
Conclusions:
- Childhood obesity demonstrates a significant causal effect in reducing the incidence of osteoporosis.
- These findings suggest a complex interplay between early-life adiposity and bone health, with implications for future skeletal integrity.
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