Relationship between Body Mass Index and Bone Mineral Density in Saudi Women Above 40 Years with Vitamin D Deficiency

Abstract

Low body mass index (BMI) causing low bone mineral density (BMD) has been reported in several articles. There are also contradictory data available which shows that obesity is associated with low bone mass. Vitamin D deficiency is a very common problem in Saudi women due to their lifestyle and culture. The present study was conducted to find out the relationship between body mass index and bone mineral density in Saudi women who have vitamin D deficiency. After the Vitamin D level assessment, the patients underwent Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Patients who had hormonal disorders, renal diseases and who were on immunosuppressive drugs were excluded from the study. Among the patients who had Vitamin D deficiency, 42.7 % had normal BMD while 57.3 % had low BMD. The BMD was low in 80% with normal BMI, 74.1% in overweight and 50% in obese patients. There was no statistically significant association between BMI and BMD (P>0.05) although there was a significant association between exercise and BMD (P<0.05) and age and BMD (P<0.05). The results indicate that bone loss and osteoporosis can occur in obese patients above 40 years of age, if they are not having sufficient exercise.