Eating Disorders & Bone Fractures

International Journal of Eating Disorders ^ | 2002 | na

[Normally a Lurker]

Even years after a person is diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, they have twice the risk of bone fractures as their peers without the eating disorder, new study findings from Denmark show.

The findings suggest that damage caused to bones by eating disorders may be permanent, according to a report in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.

However, it is possible that patients in the study were still struggling with the eating disorder, which may have kept bones from regaining strength, the report indicates.

Previous studies have found that people with eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia can suffer from weakened bones because of poor nutrition. Experts say that this can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fracture.

In the current investigation, Peter Vestergaard of the Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark and colleagues looked at 2,149 people diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, 1,294 people with bulimia nervosa and 942 people with another type of eating disorder. All of the patients - more than 90% female - were compared to a group of over 4,000 healthy people.

Compared to those without an eating disorder, patients were about twice as likely to break a bone after their diagnosis and the risk remained elevated for up to 10 years after diagnosis. The fracture risk was also elevated in those with other eating disorders, but not as dramatically as in patients with anorexia.

The researchers believe anorexia may cause permanent damage to the skeleton, which is later compounded by the loss of bone that can occur with aging. On the other hand, the researchers point out that even after diagnosis and treatment, the eating disorder may not have been completely reversed, resulting in continued nutritional deficits and further decreases in bone mass.

"In conclusion," the authors write, "an increased risk of fractures is present many years after diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, and the group of other eating disorders. These findings call for more awareness of potential skeletal complications linked to eating disorders in general."

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Where is your proof that Terri had an eating disorder?

[MagnoliaMS]

OK, I see you posted a link. I'll go check it out. Thanks.

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Where is your proof that Terri had an eating disorder?

[Normally a Lurker]

It wasn't heresay from her husband - it was statements BY HER FAMILY MADE LONG BEFORE SHE EVEN MET HER HUSBAND. See St; Pete Times article I posted a few days ago - link is above.

It would be really nice if the facts didn't have to be repeated over and over again in the face of constant 'misunderstandings' (to be kind).

[HiTech RedNeck]

But she's a vegetable! Cabbages don't complain.

[MagnoliaMS]

So sorry. I saw the article was written by Mary Jo Melone. No, thanks. I would not waste my time reading it. I have already read one or two articles that she wrote. That was one or two too many.

[jwalsh07]

In what world is a 5'3" woman who never got below 120 pounds anorexic?

My youngest girl is 5'3'' tall and never got above 110 until she had my first granddaughter.

[Mo1]

Read the artiles at least. The poin is her bones would have been much, much weaker than those of an elderly person (unless that elderly person had ALSO had bulimia for 10+ years).

Correction ... not would have .. it's could have

Is there any documentation that she suffered bone loss in that scan

I'm guessing if they could find the fractures, they could have noticed if there was a bone loss could cause these fractures

[HiTech RedNeck]

If your speculation had any basis in fact, the problem would have gotten progressively worse and worse as more and more bones broke. At best, nothing to that effect has been stated.

[Normally a Lurker]

Do a little reading - it hidden above - in two or three place, with links provides to others.

You seem to like to speculate with no basis and nor research. But when someone lays out facts, you appreantly refuse to read - just jump in with dumb questions.

BTW, I thought earlier you said you weren't going to post to me anymore - since you had finally taught me something - or was that one of your brothers or sisters? Naw, it was you.

[Mo1]

There are reports that she had bulimia

What is at question .. with regard to this article .. is there any documentation that she suffered any bone loss

[HiTech RedNeck]

Well... unless Mr. Domineering himself shook her around in her hospital bed....

[Normally a Lurker]

Possibly a good point, but YOU are speculating that it hasn't gotten worse. Are you better at speculating them me?

[MagnoliaMS]

"It would be really nice if the facts didn't have to be repeated over and over again in the face of constant 'misunderstandings' (to be kind)."

Oh, yes, it surely would. The real facts. Not the Mary Jo Melone facts. The REAL facts. Those facts that have been repeated over and over and over again, that the death cultists refuse to acknowledge. THOSE facts.

[Diva Betsy Ross]

The article said the family reported Terri went on "Liquid diets". Something almost every woman does at some time. Slimfast is not an eating disorder. That article is an example of "experts" who never examined Terri sounding off. Is that your eveidence of an eating disorder? Then expalin why women all over the country aren't having heart attacks ,and how is it Slim fast hasn't been taken off the market. You arguement is illogical. Is that your proof? That is laughable. I though you would ahve some proof, not more hearsay.. more experts who never examined Terri, more nonesense by a baised news source quoted as fact.

[Mo1]

My youngest girl is 5'3'' tall and never got above 110 until she had my first granddaughter

I had that same problem, but I'm 5'3" ... dang kids *L*

[NotQuiteCricket]

Bulimia doesn't equate to weight loss. Eating excessive amounts of food, and then throwing it all up doesn't result in a net loss, unless that is the only food a person was eating (meaning, eat lunch wait a while, then eat an entire loaf of bread with butter and jam, throwing up all the bread when done - lunch was eaten and digested only the binge food was hurled).

[Normally a Lurker]

Read the (report on) the scan. It talks about likely desease-cause for various things, in addition to fractures.

[Mo1]

Oh heck

but I'm 5'3" .. should be .. but I'm 5'2" ...

[Diva Betsy Ross]

I never said I wasn't going to post to you anymore. More lies and twisting on your part. You like to give links.. show me the proof of that statement. You are way to easy a mark ....