Obesity, excessive weight loss in adolescents may trigger permanent bone loss, says study

A new study says that teenagers who are obese as well as those who tend to lose excessive weight may be at risk of permanent bone loss.

Previous studies showed that obesity is linked with risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. This study now highlights how it (obesity) can affect bone structure in childhood and adolescence.

In adolescents with visceral obesity, growth hormone is relatively lower. On the other hand, anorexia nervosa leads to an increased fracture risk in adolescence, which is also dangerous for bones.

However, doctors believe that a healthy diet that contains adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D is what keeps the bones healthy. Also one should not under estimate the power of exercise.

This study will be presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America in Chicago, US.