Impact of Central Obesity on Total and Regional Bone Mineral Density in Adults

Abstract

Low body fat is an indicator of increased risks for bone fractures, as it is positively related to bone mineral density (BMD). However, the impact of abdominal adiposity on BMD is controversial. This study explored relationships between total and regional BMD and central obesity in 121 Caucasian and Hispanic adults. Subjects were measured for BMD by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry; abdominal adiposity volumes via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); and central obesity depth and width by three‐dimensional stereovision body imaging (SBI). BMDs, abdominal fat, and obesity measures did not differ, except for BMI, between Caucasian and Hispanics. Total BMD had significantly positive relationships with total abdominal (r=0.23), subcutaneous (r=0.23), and central obesity depth (r=0.35), and width (r=0.30), as well as the ratio of central obesity depth and width (r=0.33). Regional BMDs (trunk, ribs, pelvis, spine) were positively associated with central obesity parameters measured by SBI and also for MRI total abdominal and subcutaneous fat, except for pelvis BMD. Also, central obesity parameters assessed by SBI displayed higher associations with regional BMDs. These results indicate that central obesity measures obtained by SBI have a higher relationship with BMD than other methods. This technique may provide useful central obesity measurements in field settings. NIH 3R21DK081206–02S1.