Tummy Fat...A Threat To Women's Bones

We have heard that carrying extra fat around the middle may increase a woman's risk of heart disease and diabetes, new research suggests it also ups a woman's risk of developing osteoporosis.

In a study of 50 premenopausal women of various sizes, Harvard researchers found that women who had more fat around the abdomen were more likely to have lower bone mineral density, which can eventually lead to osteoporosis.

Historically we have looked at the ‘usual suspects’ and risk factors to osteopenia and osteoporosis including low estrogen (why we recommend to have your hormones adequately tested), deficient levels of calcium and vitamin D, certain medications which can lead to such nutritional depletions, a sedentary lifestyle and lack of weight bearing exercise, consuming too much alcohol and smoking.

What research is showing us is that all fat is not the same, and where it resides can provide unique challenges to health. “Tummy fat has a damaging effect on bone health," said the study's lead author, Dr. Miriam Bredella, a radiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and an assistant professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Tummy fat is often representative of what is known as insulin resistance, the bodies’ inefficiency to balance insulin secretion and blood sugar balance, often due to dietary issues. The good thing is we can greatly affect this condition with changes to the diet and proper nutritional utilization.

Historically extra weight was previously believed to somewhat protect against bone loss, said Dr. Bredella. This belief was linked to extra weight is often associate with extra fat which produces estrogen, which can be beneficial to bone density, although in the right balance.

Where the fast was is what made the difference. Women who had more visceral fat, meaning fat around the mid-section, were more likely to have a lower bone mineral density. In addition, an association between visceral fat and the levels of bone marrow fat was noted.

"Being a healthy weight and trying to control visceral obesity is becoming important from so many different angles," Bredella stated. "You need to make lifestyle changes that focus on overall health and wellness, and exercise is very important for helping prevent osteoporosis and other illnesses. If you haven't been moving, just try to get out and go for a walk. Ideally, you'll work up to regular exercise, but get out and get some exercise," she advised.