Abstract

BACKGROUND
Body weight is an important factor that influence the bone density in postmenopausal women except estrogen dificiency. However, different results are reported about the relationship between body composition and bone density in the postmenopausal women. We have studied the relationship between age, body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist hip ratio (WHR), muscle mass, fat mass, fat free mass and bone density. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have studied 127 persons of postmenopausal women who visited university medical center and examined the inbody 3.0 and Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) from Jan, 2001 to Jun, 2002. they didn't have any disease and didn't received hormone therapy, osteoporosis therapy or other medication that influence the bone density. RESULTS: The numbers of study subjects is total 127 persons. Mean age is 56.9+/-5.14, mean weight is 59.3+/-8.7 kg, mean BMI is 25.37+/-3.16 (kg/m2), mean fat mass is 20.02+/-5.05 kg, mean muscle mass is 37.49+/-4.50 kg, mean fat free mass is 39.80+/-4.70, mean BMD is 0.828+/-0.148 (g/cm2). In the result of linear regression analysis, age, height, weight, muscle mass, fat free mass, fat mass, BMI are significant determinants of BMD. In stepwise multiple regression analysis, age is the most significant determinant of BMD and besides age, fat free mass is the most significant determinant of BMD among body composition. CONCLUSION: In postmenopausal women, age, height, weight, BMI, muscle mass, fat free mass, fat mass are significant determinants of BMD and besides age, fat free mass is the most significant determinant of BMD among the body composition. So, diet and exercise that increase fat free mass will contribute to bone density increment.

• Keywords: Body composition;Bone density;Muscle mass;Fat tree mass;Fat mass