Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Associations Between Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A DEXA-Based
Ngo Thi Thu Thuy1, Nguyen Ngoc Chau2, Pham Van Thuc3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Hai Phong Medical University Hopspital, Hai Phong, Vietnam.
Background And Objective:
Body composition is increasingly recognized as an important factor associated with bone health; however, evidence focusing on individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains limited, particularly in Southeast Asian populations.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 128 adults with MetS recruited from two medical centers in Vietnam between October 2017 and September 2024. All participants underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to assess regional body composition and bone mineral density (BMD). Associations between lean mass, fat distribution, and BMD across multiple skeletal sites were evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis.
Results:
Lean mass indices, including Lean Mass Index (LMI) and Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Index (ASMI), were positively associated with BMD across multiple skeletal sites, with the strongest associations observed in the appendicular skeleton and whole body (r = 0.17 - 0.73, P < 0.001). In contrast, central adiposity, reflected by the android-to-gynoid (A/G) fat ratio and regional fat percentages, showed inverse associations with BMD, particularly at the spine and long bones (r = -0.20 to -0.29, P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
In adults with MetS, lean mass was positively associated with BMD, whereas central adiposity showed inverse associations with skeletal health. These findings highlight the importance of body composition, beyond BMI alone, in the assessment of bone health in this high-risk population. DEXA-based body composition assessment may provide clinically relevant information to support patient evaluation.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
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...
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
01:02What is the Skeletal System?
01:22The Functions of the Skeletal System
01:20Study Designs in Epidemiology
Observational studies are those where the researcher does not intervene but rather observes natural variations. They include cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies.
01:20Introduction to the Skeletal System
Components of the Skeletal System
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a hard connective tissue that forms an internal support structure for the human body. Bones shield vulnerable organs and soft tissue from external forces. For example, the vertebral bones protect and support the spinal cord.
Cartilage, a semi-rigid connective tissue found in regions such as...