Low bone mineral density in a cohort of normal, overweight and obese Chilean adolescents.

Osteoporosis, associated with low BMD, is a public health problem. Peak bone mass (PBM) is influenced by genetics, nutrition, body weight and physical activity, with 90% of PBM obtained by age 18 years. Recent research challenges the belief that obesity protects against low BMD. In a study of overweight and obese adults, researchers noted that overweight status was neutral or protective of BMD, whereas obesity was associated with lower bone mass (Greco et al. 2010). Relationships between adiposity, bone health and fracture risk in children and adolescents remain under debate. One study reports overweight/obese children have insufficient bone health relative to body weight and may be at increased risk of bone fractures (Goulding et al. 2000). Studies in older adolescents are needed, as bone mass in this period may best predict future bone health. Methods