Self-reported body shape and bone mineral density in a sample of African-American women.

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that increases the risk of fractures. There are demonstrated ethnic differences in the risks and consequences of osteoporosis. Body shape, defined as either android or gynoid, might be linked to the physiological changes that are associated with menopause, which are a time of worsening bone loss and increased risk for osteoporosis. This study investigated the associations between self-reported body shapes and clinically measured hip neck and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) in a group of peri-menopausal African-American women. Data from 71 women (N = 71) were gathered from a previously conducted parent study on the risks for osteoporosis and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). A multivariate regression model demonstrated that there was a positive association between self-reported android body shape and a higher hip neck BMD among study participants. The multivariate regression model was adjusted for demographics and for other risk factors.