Weight Loss Or Gain Increases Risk Of Fractures In Older Women

Previous studies have suggested that weight gain may help protect women from fractures. Yet recent findings published in the BMJ show that both weight gain and loss among older women can increase the risk of broken bones.

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, looked at data from over 120,000 healthy postmenopausal women in the United States between the ages of 50 and 79. They were followed for 11 years.

Findings showed that for the 5 percent of participants who lost weight, there was a 65 percent increased risk of hip fracture, according to a news release. Furthermore, there was also a 9 percent higher risk of upper limb fracture and a 30 percent higher risk of central body fracture (hip, pelvis and spine) with weight loss.

For those who gained 5 percent or more of their original weight, study results revealed a 10 percent higher risk of upper limb fracture and an 18 percent higher risk of lower limb fracture.

Results are a bit confusion regarding fractures and intentional or unintentional weight loss. Researchers found that unintentional weight loss was associated with a higher risk of hip and spine fracutres while intentional weight loss was associated with a higher risk of lower limb fractures.

The study authors further concluded that the study does show an association between weight loss or gain and fractures but does not prove that weight loss or gain are responsible for various types of fractures.

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