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The obesity paradox and osteoporosis

Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity volume 23, pages 293–302 (2018)Cite this article

A Correction to this article was published on 02 May 2018

This article has been updated

Abstract

Overweight and obesity according to the definition of the WHO are considered as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Studies comparing fracture incidence in obese and non-obese individuals have demonstrated that obesity, defined on the basis of body mass index (BMI), is associated with increased risk of fracture at some sites but seems to be protective at others. The results of the studies are influenced by the distribution of BMI in the population studied; for example, in cohorts with a low prevalence of obesity, a predilection for certain fracture sites in obese individuals becomes difficult to detect, whereas, in populations with a high prevalence of obesity, previously unreported associations may emerge. Furthermore, obesity can bring with itself many complications (Type 2 diabetes mellitus, vitamin D deficiency, and motor disability) which, in the long run, can have a definite influence in terms of overall risk and quality of life, as well. This is a narrative review focusing on the relationship between bone metabolism and overweight/obesity and dealing with the fundamental dilemma of a disease (obesity) apparently associated with improved values of bone mineral density, part of a complicated relationship which revolves around obesity called “the obesity paradox”.

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Fig. 1

Change history

  • 02 May 2018

    Unfortunately, the author’s first name and the family name were swapped and published in the original publication.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rheumatology Unit, University of Verona, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, piazzale A. Scuro, 37134, Verona, Italy

    Angelo Fassio, Luca Idolazzi, Maurizio Rossini, Davide Gatti, Giovanni Adami, Alessandro Giollo & Ombretta Viapiana

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  1. Angelo Fassio
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  2. Luca Idolazzi
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  3. Maurizio Rossini
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Correspondence to Angelo Fassio.

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The ​original ​version ​of ​this ​article ​was ​revised: Author’s first name and the family name were incorrectly swapped in the original publication and it has been corrected now.

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Obesity Paradox.

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Fassio, A., Idolazzi, L., Rossini, M. et al. The obesity paradox and osteoporosis. Eat Weight Disord 23, 293–302 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-018-0505-2

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Keywords

  • Obesity paradox
  • Osteoporosis
  • Bone metabolism
  • Bone mineral density and obesity