While the perception has been that a higher body mass reduces the risk for osteoporosis, American researchers have found that the location of body fat plays an important role in determining bone mineral density, according to a study presented Monday (November 28) to the Radiological Society of North America, reports the Telegraph.
Researchers observed 50 overweight, pre-menopausal women with a BMI over 30. After scanning for fat distribution and bone density, researchers found that women who were apple-shaped – with more fat on their abdomen – had lower bone mineral density than their pear-shaped sisters who tend to carry weight in their hips and thighs.
Osteoporosis is a serious bone-wasting disease that causes significantly higher risks of bone fractures, and is more common in women due to a greater loss of bone mass during menopause.
As well as being a risk factor for osteoporosis, abdominal obesity is also linked to heart disease and diabetes.