Affiliations: [a] Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China | [b] Province Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China | [c] Grade 2005 Postgraduate, Statistics, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Chengqi He, M.D., Prof. West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. Tel.: +86 18980601618; Fax: +86 28 85422846; E-mail: hecq88@163.com
Note: [1] Chengqi He and Shasha Li contributed equally to this work.
Abstract: Background and objectives:Although several studies have considered obesity as a confounder for female osteoporosis, obesity’s role as risk factor or a protective factor is not clear. No conclusion has been made about the correlation between obesity and osteoporosis. In this study, we examined the association between obesity and osteoporosis in Chinese women. Material and methods:4202 qualified women were enrolled between August 2003 and December 2005. Data on their age, height, weight, basic disease, frequency of exercise and smoking habits were obtained via a questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) was assessed as a surrogate measurement of fat mass and to describe obesity status in this study. The women were divided into an osteoporosis group or non-osteoporosis group according to the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (L1–L4), which was assessed by a peripheral dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scanner. A T test was used to determine if the difference between the two groups had statistical significance. The rank sum test was used for ordinal numeration data analysis, and the Chi-squared test was used for unordered categorical data. Multiple logistic regressions were used to analyse the association between BMI and osteoporosis. Results:The logistic regression revealed five independent factors associated with osteoporosis, age, hypertension, smoking, exercise, and BMI, and three risk factors for osteoporosis: age, smoking and BMI. Conclusion:In Southwest China, obesity increases the risk of female osteoporosis. This finding provides a theoretical basis for its prevention in developing countries.Level of evidence: Level III (retrospective study).
Keywords: Obesity, osteoporosis, bone mineral density (BMD), body mass index (BMI)
