Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA
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Low body weight is associated with increased risk for fractures, whereas higher body weight has been shown to be protective against osteoporosis. This study evaluated whether body weight plays a role regulating bone turnover and mass in normal-weight (body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI> or =30 kg/m2) postmenopausal women who were either receiving hormone replacement therapy [HRT(+)] or not [HRT(-)] (total of six groups). Body weight, BMI, total body bone mineral content (TBBMC), and markers of bone formation (serum osteocalcin) and bone resorption (urinary pyridinoline (PYD) and deoxypyridinoline) were retrospectively analyzed in 210 postmenopausal women. ⋯ Additional models could only explain 11-15% of the variance in bone turnover. Taken together, these data suggest that among normal-weight but not obese postmenopausal women, higher bone turnover is associated with lower bone mass, and that only normal-weight women show a different bone turnover profile with HRT treatment. Body weight should be considered an important factor in bone metabolism with relevant clinical implications.