Bone mineral density and its association with waist, glucose and lipids in Mexican women from a rural community

Abstract

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the possible association of bone mineral density with waist, glucose and lipids in women aged 37±7.5 years (n=549) from a rural community in Mexico. Anthropometrical measurements included weight, height, and waist and hip circumference. A fasting blood sample was taken for the analysis of glucose and lipids profile. Bone mineral density and body composition were determined by DEXA (Hologic Mod Explorer). The prevalence of overweight and obesity measured as BMI was 36% and 44% respectively. Central obesity was present in more than 80% of the subjects and 96% of the subjects had a body fat content higher than 30%. The population showed elevated triglycerides (42%), elevated fasting plasma glucose (14%), and reduced HDL cholesterol (60%). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (defined by the International Diabetes Federation) in the subjects was 32%. Only women at risk of metabolic syndrome and at risk of low HDL had significantly higher bone mineral density compared to women without the syndrome or with high HDL (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). Waist circumference alone had a significant and positive relationship with bone mineral density (p<0.05). In conclusion, bone mineral density is higher in women from rural Mexico with metabolic syndrome, elevated HDL and at risk waist circumference. Strategies to reduce obesity and metabolic syndrome have to consider the impact of weight loss on bone mineral density.