Predictors of bone loss in young women with restrictive eating disorders.

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of Body Mass Index, body composition and hormonal factors on bone mass in young women with amenorrhea related to restrictive eating disorders.

Design: Descriptive study of 55 patients with secondary amenorrhea due to restrictive eating disorders and 14 healthy girls used for comparison. Assessment of Bone Mineral Density, Fat Mass and Lean Mass by DEXA and of the serum hormonal profile.

Results: Patients had lower BMI, lower Fat Mass and lower Bone Mass compared to controls; their serum levels of LH, FT(3), DHEAS, Insulin and Leptin were significantly reduced. Low Bone Density, especially in the lumbar region, correlated with concentrations of FT(3), Cortisol, Insulin and Leptin, hormones expressive of metabolic adjustment to malnutrition. Lean Mass was a strong predictor of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Conclusions: Hormonal nutritional markers, together with soft tissue composition measurements, are viable options for ongoing monitoring of subjects with eating disorders.