A SURVEY REGARDING THE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE BONE MINERAL DENSITY AMONG FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

: In our study of the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and physical constitution (height and weight) of the female students, those weighing more than the Japanese national average displayed higher BMD values compared with students weighing less than the national average, indicating significant differences. Those students who indicated the onset of the menstrual function at 10-11 years of age, exhibited significantly higher BMD values than students who had not yet begun menarche. At the same time, students having higher BMD values, considered themselves to be tending toward obesity because of their heavier weight, and were pursuing a tendency toward following weight-reduction diets. Although one can understand the mentality of adolescent female students being conscious of better physical proportions, they need suitable advice regarding adequate nutrition.