The inter-relationship of the triad: osteoporosis, fracture risk, and obesity—a longitudinal multicenter analysis by the Egyptian Academy of Bone Health

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the relationship between the triad of obesity, fracture risk factors, and osteoporosis and its impact on fragility fractures. Results: Osteoporosis was least prevalent (p < 0.001) among the obese patients in comparison to overweight and normal body mass index patients. On the other hand, history of risk of falling as well as history of fall(s) in the last year, sarcopenia, and functional disability were significantly more prevalent (< 0.01, 0.05, and 0.05 respectively) among the obese patient cohort. Conclusion: Obesity was found to be associated with higher bone mineral density of the hip, lumbar spine, and distal forearm. This was significantly different in post-menopausal women, but not in men. Covariates such as sarcopenia, falls risk, and functional disability play an important factor in making the patient at high risk and prone to develop a fragility fracture.