Factors predictive of bone mineral density in eating-disordered women: A longitudinal study

Objective: Osteoporosis in eating-disordered women is well established, but factors predictive of this condition have proved elusive. The roles of beh avioral factors, weight, menstrual status, and the degree of bone mineral d ensity change over the clinical course of the eating disorder were investig ated. Method: A cohort of 56 eating-disordered women was subjected to bone mineral density measurement at Scan I and were followed up between 9 and 51 months later for repeat measurement (n = 10) at Scan 2. Results: High leve ls of reduced bone mineral density were observed. Total duration of amenorr hea, body mass index, frequency of vomiting, and cigarette and alcohol cons umption accounted for 40% of the variance in spinal bone mineral density me asurement at Scan I. No significant changes in bone mineral density were ob served at Scan 2 despite increases in body mass index. Discussion: The resu lts suggest that increases in weight appear not to be sufficient to increas e bone mineral density. (C) 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.