INFLUENCE OF BODY MASS INDEX AND OTHER FACTORS ON BONE MINERAL DENSITY IN POST MENOPAUSAL WOMEN - AN EVALUATION BY QUANTITATIVE ULTRASOUND

Abstract

Aims and objectives- To study the influence
of Body Mass Index, time since
menopause, socio-economic conditions
and physical activity on Bone Mineral
Density in postmenopausal women and
to identify the most vulnerable group for
osteoporotic fractures. Methods- This
study was conducted in our hospital in
50 postmenopausal women attending
outpatient department and the hospital
workers. Women were assigned to
groups based on Socio-economic class
and physical activity by using questionnaire.
Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated
using the Quetlet index. Bone Mineral
Density was measured using the
Quantitative Ultrasound machine. Results-
6 out of 10 women with low BMI
had Osteoporosis(60 percent). But only 1
out of 11 women with BMI above 24.99
had Osteoporosis(9 percent). As many
as 6 out of 12(50 percent) postmenopausal
women who attained early
menopause(below 45yrs) had Osteoporosis.
Only 11 out of 38(29 percent) postmenopausal
women who attained menopause
after 45 years had Osteoporosis. 11
out of 24 postmenopausal women who belong
to low socio-economic class have osteoporosis(
46 percent) Only one out of 6
postmenopausal women who belong to
high socio-economic class have osteoporosis(
17 percent). As many as 6 out of 15
women who lead a sedentary lifestyle have
Osteoporosis (40 percent). But only 2 postmenopausal
women with active life style
have Osteoporosis(17 percent). Conclusion-
This Study reveals that Low BMI, Low
Socio-economic status, early attainment of
Menopause and Physical inactivity are significant
risk factors for developing Osteopenia
and subsequently Osteoporosis.
This Study is aimed at bringing out the importance
of a good BMI, active life style
and improvement in socio-economic conditions
in reducing the incidence and severity
of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis.