bone health

[Guest guest]

This study from Denmark suggests that eating disorders can induce

fairly permanent detrimental effects on skeletal structure. However,

the researchers were unable to rule out the possibility that abnormal

nutritional patterns that persisted due to incomplete treatment of

the eating disorders were generating the extra fractures.

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Eating Disorders May Affect Bone Health for Years Wed Sep 4, 5:47 PM

ET

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Even years after a person is diagnosed

with anorexia nervosa ( news - web sites), they have twice the risk

of bone fractures as their peers without the eating disorder, new

study findings from Denmark show.

The findings suggest that damage caused to bones by eating disorders

may be permanent, according to a report in the International Journal

of Eating Disorders.

However, it is possible that patients in the study were still

struggling with the eating disorder, which may have kept bones from

regaining strength, the report indicates.

Previous studies have found that people with eating disorders such as

anorexia or bulimia can suffer from weakened bones because of poor

nutrition. Experts say that this can increase the risk of

osteoporosis and fracture.

In the current investigation, Vestergaard of the Aarhus

University Hospital in Denmark and colleagues looked at 2,149 people

diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, 1,294 people with bulimia nervosa

and 942 people with another type of eating disorder. All of the

patients--more than 90% female-- were compared to a group of over

4,000 healthy people.

Compared to those without an eating disorder, patients were about

twice as likely to break a bone after their diagnosis and the risk

remained elevated for up to 10 years after diagnosis. The fracture

risk was also elevated in those with other eating disorders, but not

as dramatically as in patients with anorexia.

The researchers believe anorexia may cause permanent damage to the

skeleton, which is later compounded by the loss of bone that can

occur with aging. On the other hand, the researchers point out that

even after diagnosis and treatment, the eating disorder may not have

been completely reversed, resulting in continued nutritional deficits

and further decreases in bone mass.

" In conclusion, " the authors write, " an increased risk of fractures

is present many years after diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, and the

group of other eating disorders. These findings call for more

awareness of potential skeletal complications linked to eating

disorders in general. "

SOURCE: International Journal of Eating Disorders 2002;32:301-308.

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