Influence of anthropometric parameters on bone mineral density. Correlations with age and sex

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to analyse the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and some anthropometric parameters such as body weight and height, body mass index, age and sex. METHODS: This study has been carried out between January 1997 and March 2000 in 2839 patients, subdivided into 2679 women (mean age 63.2 +/- 11 years; range: 26-86 years) and 160 men (mean age 58.9 +/- 16.1 years; range: 20-95 years), at the Climatric Unit of the University of Catania The assessment of BMD was measured using a DEXA densitometer method (TurboScan p-DXA, NIM, Verona, Italy). In all patients with high risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures, a statistical analysis of the variance (ANOVA), in order to point out the predictivity of these parameters. RESULTS: The results of the measurements have confirmed a strong relationship between BMD values and sex, age and body constitution. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these results, the importance is stressed of diagnostic, instrumental and laboratory investigations for all patients with and without normal body constitution, in order to analyse the bone mineral status and establish an appropriate preventive therapy.