Effect of body mass index on bone mineral density in surgical menopause: A prospective observational study

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of both obesity and osteoporosis has been increasing rapidly that leads to morbidity and mortality. Obesity has a protective effect against osteoporosis and weight loss leads to decreased BMD (Bone Mineral Density) levels. Hence this study was conducted to find the relationship between BMI (Body Mass Index) and BMD.Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Sri Ramachandra Medical College, which is a tertiary care teaching hospital. 60 women with surgical menopause were included in the study. Socio-demographic details, past surgical history was collected after obtaining informed written consent. BMI was calculated and BMD was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at the lumbar spine and hip joint. All the data was entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet and analysed by using SPSS software.Results: The study subjects were divided into three groups depending on BMI. 3(5%) individuals were underweighted, 28 (46.67%) were normal weighted, 29(48.33%) were over weighted. Among them, 41 had normal BMD, 16 had osteopenia, and 3 were diagnosed with osteoporosis. Among them, osteoporosis was observed in 6.67% and osteopenia 40% in subjects without ovarian conservation. In subjects with ovarian conservation osteopenia was observed in 13.33 % & osteoporosis of 3.33%.Conclusion: It can be concluded that in menopausal women as the BMI decreases bone mineral density also decreases. Therefore, adequate weight and BMI necessary for the prevention of osteoporosis.