Vol 62, No 1 (2011)
Review paper
Published online: 2011-03-01
The role of anorexia nervosa in secondary osteoporosis development with the risk for low energy fractures
Endokrynol Pol 2011;62(1):45-47.
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) has in recent years become considerably more common. The disease primarily affects girls and young women, and
also boys and young men. AN is a risk factor for secondary osteoporosis. AN-related metabolic disturbances lead to diminished bone
quality and increased risk of fractures. The consequences of low energy fractures are the main causes of death in women with AN. Hormonal
disturbances (e.g. hypoestrogenism, increased levels of ghrelin and Y peptide, changes in leptin and endocannabinoid levels), as well
as the mechanisms involved in bone resorption (RANK/RANKL/OPG), are considered to be of great importance for anorectic bone quality.
The risk of osteoporotic, non-vertebral fractures in AN patients is significantly higher than in healthy women. An improvement of bone
mineral density is possible after substantial body mass increase. Weight loss, in conjunction with a well-balanced, controlled diet, is the key
to correct peak bone mass levels, and diminishes the risk of osteoporosis with its consequence of low energy bone fractures.
(Pol J Endocrinol 2011; 62 (1): 45-47)
Keywords: anorexia nervosarisk of fracturesecondary osteoporosis
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