Obesity Linked To Bad Bones
Excess body fat may contribute to poor bone health, according to a new study of 115 18 and 19 year-old women. This finding adds to the growing list of obesity-related health problems, which already includes an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other problems.
In the study, researchers conducted three dimensional bone scans of women with normal body fat (less than 32 percent) and high body fat (greater than 32 percent). Women with high body fat had bones that were 8 percent to 9 percent weaker than those with normal body fat. Obese children, whose bones are still developing, researchers said, are in particular danger of a lasting negative impact on their skeleton.
Animal studies have found that obese rats produce more fat cells than bone cells in bone marrow, which may explain the weakening. However, it’s known that if a person’s dietary habits lead them to become leptin-resistant (leptin is an hormone that represses the appetite), two things can happen: firstly there can be miscommunication about where to store fat. Some of it will be stored in the abdomen and liver, which throws the liver’s function off-kilter and contributes to the breakdown of muscle and bone, causing weakness and osteoporosis. Additionally, calcium starts being deposited in the bloodstream rather than bone.In the UK, about 28% of women and men aged 16-24 are overweight or obese and 76% of men and 68% of women aged 55-64 are overweight or obese.
The good news is that exercise – running, jumping, and doing other types of active play – not only helps combat obesity but improves bone mass in kids and adults.
Dietary changes that can help support your bone health include increasing omega-3 fats and decreasing omega-6; increasing vitamin K intake; getting more sunshine (increasing vitamin D); and getting more calcium from milk.
Obesity, overweightedness, and bone problems can all be the result of other factors such as hormone imbalances or absorption problems. The experts at The Centre For Integrated Health can use the latest non-invasive screening technology to identify any problems at their roots, to help map out the most efficient path for your excellent health. Call now to find out how they can help you on 01730 233 414.