Addressing Bone Loss in Anorexia

Bone loss is a common complicating factor in anorexia nervosa (AN); a new study indicates that resumption of menstrual function and weight gain contribute to bone mineral density (BMD) recovery, while oral contraceptives may not. In 75 women with AN, average annual BMD loss was 2.4% at the hip and 2.6% at the spine. Improved weight (particularly a higher percentage of lean body mass) was linked with BMD increase at the hip, while resumed menstruation was associated with increased BMD at the spine. Weight gain, but no increase in BMD, was found to be linked to oral contraceptives. This study appeared in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/91/8/2931

-PC