Dietary habits and body mass index (BMI) among women with low bone mineral density

Aims: The aim of the study was to compare dietary habits and nutrient intakes with regard to BMI in women with low BMD. Methods: Subjects (n=234) were patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia from two hospitals in Zagreb (Croatian capital). Mean age was 63.8 years. Dietary assessment methods used were completely quantified Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) containing foods high in calcium, and 24-h-recall. BMI was calculated using data from patient's medical records. Dietary habits and nutrient intakes were compared in groups having BMI higher i.e. lower than 25 kg/m2. Results: Average BMI was 26.6 ± 4.14 kg/m2 (mean ± SD). BMI higher than 25 kg/m2 had 61.1% subjects and BMI higher than 30 kg/m2 had 23.5% subjects. Significantly higher number of breakfasts per week was observed in subjects with BMI higher than 25 kg/m2. Energy intake (24-h-recall) was significantly higher in subjects with BMI lower than 25 kg/m2. Calcium intake did not differ significantly with regard to BMI and was in average higher in subjects with BMI higher than 25 kg/m2. There was no significant correlation of BMI and energy intake (24-h-recall). Conclusions: This study showed high incidence of overweight and obesity in women with low BMD. When subjects divided in groups having BMI higher i.e. lower than 25 kg/m2, some differences in dietary habits and nutrient intakes were observed.