The Relationship Between Obesity, Osteoporosis and Fracture

Updated: September 6, 2023

obesity osteoporosis

Reviewed By:
Dr. Loren Fishman – AlgaeCal Scientific Advisory Board Member
MD, B.Phil.,(oxon.)
Medical Director of Manhattan Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Founder of the Yoga Injury Prevention Website.

Obesity is a global epidemic, and a well-known risk factor for several health conditions, including metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and diabetes. But what about the health of your bones? Can excess weight increase risk for osteoporosis and fracture?

It turns out the answer may not be so simple, but we’re going to explore the research and highlight what you need to know about weight, bone health, and the potential risk of osteoporosis and fracture.

Is Obesity a Risk Factor For Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break.  It affects millions of people worldwide, is more common with age and with unfavorable lifestyles such as lack of exercise.

decrease in bone density

There’s been some controversy in the research world regarding the connection between obesity and osteoporosis.

Historically, it was believed that obesity may actually be preventative against osteoporosis due to the effect of increased mechanical stresses excess body mass can place on the skeleton. It has also been suggested that the extra fat tissue may help prevent certain fractures, providing cushioning on falls.

However, a growing body of research shows that obesity is a risk factor for fracture [1]. Why might that be?

While it’s true that mechanical stress to your bones may enhance bone strength, it turns out that the impact of obesity isn’t so simple. Due to several factors (to be discussed below), obesity may reduce the quality of your bones and therefore set the stage for osteoporosis and other bone-related issues. Trabecular bone score (TBS) is an index of bone microarchitecture (quality) of bone. Researchers have found reduced TBS in obese individuals despite a normal bone mass [2, 3]. In fact, studies also show that bone strength is not proportionate to body mass in overweight and obese children and adults [4, 5, 6] and there is a higher risk of certain fractures [6, 7, 8].

Now, let’s dive a little deeper into what the research can tell us about how obesity may undermine bone health.

How Does Obesity Affect Bone Health?

Like everything else in the body, the relationship between bone and fat tissue is complex. While researchers haven’t nailed down one specific mechanism for the relationship between obesity and osteoporosis, several factors likely play a role.

The relationship between bone and excess fat tissue is complex. It is likely there is more than one specific mechanism for the link between obesity and osteoporosis, including the following:

#1 Inflammation

Obesity is associated with low-grade, chronic inflammation, characterized by higher levels of inflammatory compounds that may interact with the different tissues in your body [4, 9]. Studies show that chronic inflammatory conditions of almost any cause, can lead to bone loss due to the interaction that inflammatory compounds have on bone cells. Specifically, studies show that in an inflammatory environment, osteoclast (cells that break down bone) activity increases, while osteoblast (bones that build up bone) activity decreases. As a result, chronic inflammation can  lead to alterations in bone metabolism and as a result, net bone loss [9].

arthritis obesity

#2 Low Levels of Adiponectin

Another potential culprit behind the obesity-osteoporosis connection is a hormone called adiponectin. Adiponectin is a hormone that’s produced by fat cells (adipocytes) and tends to be lowered in obese individuals. In one study, postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome showed significantly lower adiponectin levels along with lower bone density when compared with healthy controls [10].

What exactly is the connection between adiponectin and bone density? In an animal study, investigators found that mice deficient in adiponectin displayed signs of osteoporosis. When they dug deeper, they found that stem cells in these mice preferentially differentiated into fat cells as opposed to bone-building osteoblast cells. These results indicate that adiponectin plays a role in the formation and function of bone-building cells. Since obese individuals tend to be lower in adiponectin, their stem cells may be primed to turn into fat instead of bone[11].

#3 Vitamin D Deficiency

While inflammation and hormones likely play a role in the connection between obesity and osteoporosis, we can’t forget about the role of micronutrients.

It’s well understood that vitamin and mineral deficiency can set the stage for osteoporosis. The strength of your bones relies on adequate mineralization and nutrients like vitamin D help to manage those minerals and ultimately usher them into your bones.

Unfortunately, studies show that in overweight individuals, there is an inverse relationship between active vitamin D and body weight. In fact, research suggests that serum concentrations of vitamin D may be 20% lower in obese individuals than in those of a healthy weight[12].

Without adequate vitamin D, your bones cannot absorb the minerals (particularly calcium) they need to become strong and healthy. Over time, low levels of vitamin D may lead to a loss in bone density and, ultimately, osteoporosis[13].

vitamin d deficiency

#4 Sedentary Lifestyle – Use it or Lose it!

A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity, because the body takes in more calories than it burns during energy expenditure, and the excess calories are converted and stored as excess fat. Having a sedentary lifestyle also means that bones do not receive the mechanical stimulus they need to maintain their strength [14]. When this happens, bone consequently becomes weaker. This can also be seen in anti-gravity, with astronauts losing TBS and BMD during space missions [15]. Weight-bearing and muscle strengthening exercises are important for building bone strength and preventing osteoporosis. The phrase “Use it or Lose it”  is just as important for bone as it is for muscle.

Takeaway

As you’ve learned, evidence suggests that the hormonal, nutrient, and inflammatory conditions are implicated in the link between obesity, osteoporosis and fracture.. While research continues in this area, it’s clear that maintaining a healthy weight is an important step for protecting bone health.

On the flip side, studies also indicate that being underweight may pose risks for bone density as well. Having a Body Mass Index (BMI) below the healthy threshold is associated with reduced bone strength and an increased risk for fracture.

The solution? Do your best to find a weight that’s healthy for you. Adding weight-bearing and/or muscle-strengthening exercise to your routine can enhance weight loss efforts while increasing bone strength, and ensuring your diet is nutrient-rich will assist you in getting the micronutrients you need for both metabolic and bone health.

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FAQs

Are obese people more likely to have osteoporosis?

Obesity may increase the risk for osteoporosis and fracture due to factors such as inflammation, hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies and sedentary lifestyle.

How does obesity affect bone density?

Some mechanisms by which obesity may affect bone density include increased inflammation, disruption of hormones, and deficiencies in nutrients like vitamin D.

Will losing weight help osteoporosis?

It’s possible that losing weight may assist in reducing your risk of osteoporosis by lowering your body’s inflammation, correcting hormonal imbalances, and assisting with nutrient deficiencies. It is important to include exercise that will also strengthen bones and muscle.

Do heavier people have stronger bones?

People with excess weight may have higher bone density but this is not proportional to their higher body mass. Also, metabolic factors that come with obesity and being overweight may reduce bone quality, which may lead to weaker bones and a higher risk of certain fractures.

Article Sources

  1. Gkastaris, K., Goulis, D. G., Potoupnis, M., Anastasilakis, A. D., & Kapetanos, G. (2020). Obesity, osteoporosis and bone metabolism. Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions, 20(3), 372.
  2. Romagnoli, E., Lubrano, C., Carnevale, V., Costantini, D., Nieddu, L., Morano, S., Migliaccio, S., Gnessi, L. and Lenzi, A., 2016. Assessment of trabecular bone score (TBS) in overweight/obese men: effect of metabolic and anthropometric factors. Endocrine, 54, pp.342-347.
  3. Jose, A., Cherian, K.E., Nandyal, M.B., Jiwanmall, S.A., Kattula, D., Paul, T.V. and Kapoor, N., 2021. Trabecular Bone Score and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women with Morbid Obesity—A Clinical Paradox. Medical Sciences, 9(4), p.69.
  4. Shapses, S. A., Pop, L. C., & Wang, Y. (2017). Obesity is a concern for bone health with aging. Nutrition research, 39, 1-13.
  5. Goulding, A., Taylor, R. W., Jones, I. E., McAuley, K. A., Manning, P. J., & Williams, S. M. (2000). Overweight and obese children have low bone mass and area for their weight. International journal of obesity, 24(5), 627-632.
  6. Rudman, H.A., Birrell, F., Pearce, M.S., Tuck, S.P., Francis, R.M., Treadgold, L. and Hind, K., 2019. Obesity, bone density relative to body weight and prevalent vertebral fracture at age 62 years: the Newcastle thousand families study. Osteoporosis International, 30, pp.829-836.
  7. Compston, J.E., Watts, N.B., Chapurlat, R., Cooper, C., Boonen, S., Greenspan, S., Pfeilschifter, J., Silverman, S., Díez-Pérez, A., Lindsay, R. and Saag, K.G., 2011. Obesity is not protective against fracture in postmenopausal women: GLOW. The American journal of medicine, 124(11), pp.1043-1050.
  8. Xiang, B. Y., Huang, W., Zhou, G. Q., Hu, N., Chen, H., & Chen, C. (2017). Body mass index and the risk of low bone mass–related fractures in women compared with men: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Medicine, 96(12).Savvidis, C., Tournis, S., & Dede, A. D. (2018). Obesity and bone metabolism. Hormones, 17, 205-217.
  9. Hardy, R., & Cooper, M. S. (2009). Bone loss in inflammatory disorders. Journal of Endocrinology, 201(3), 309-320.
  10. Stojanovic, S. S., Arsenijevic, N. A., Djukic, A., Djukic, S., Simonovic, S. Z., Jovanovic, M., ... & Petrovic, D. (2018). Adiponectin as a potential biomarker of low bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome. Acta Endocrinologica (Bucharest), 14(2), 201.
  11. Yang, J., Park, O. J., Kim, J., Han, S., Yang, Y., Yun, C. H., & Han, S. H. (2019). Adiponectin deficiency triggers bone loss by up-regulation of osteoclastogenesis and down-regulation of osteoblastogenesis. Frontiers in endocrinology, 10, 815.
  12. Gkastaris, K., Goulis, D. G., Potoupnis, M., Anastasilakis, A. D., & Kapetanos, G. (2020). Obesity, osteoporosis and bone metabolism. Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions, 20(3), 372.
  13. Lips, P., & Van Schoor, N. M. (2011). The effect of vitamin D on bone and osteoporosis. Best practice & research Clinical endocrinology & metabolism, 25(4), 585-591.
  14. Hind, K., Hayes, L., Basterfield, L., Pearce, M.S. and Birrell, F., 2020. Objectively-measured sedentary time, habitual physical activity and bone strength in adults aged 62 years: the Newcastle Thousand Families Study. Journal of Public Health, 42(2), pp.325-332.
  15. Smith, S.A., Watts, N., Hans, D., LeBlanc, A., Spector, E., King, L. and Sibonga, J., 2014. Tbs (Trabecular Bone Score) Expands Understanding of Spaceflight Effects on The Lumbar Spine of Long-Duration Astronauts (No. JSC-CN-30312).

Article Comments

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  1. Theresa Beville

    September 9, 2023 , 4:48 pm

    1)Does Ozempic for weightloss (without diabetes) to treat obesity with a B.M.I. of 33 adversely affect osteoporosis?
    2)Does diverticulitis affect osteoporosis?
    3)Does COPD affect osteoporosis?
    4)Can algae-cal offset any adverse effects of the use of Ozempic for obesity?

  2. Yoori AlgaeCal

    September 12, 2023 , 7:24 pm

    Great questions, Theresa!

    1) We weren’t able to find any evidence that Ozempic for weight loss would negatively affect the bones.
    2) My understanding is that while diverticulitis itself does not directly lead to bone loss, there may be indirect factors associated with diverticulitis that could contribute to bone loss, such as malnutrition.
    3) This goes the same for the indirect relationship between COPD and bone loss. For example, corticosteroid use, inflammation in the lungs, etc. may play a role in causing bone loss.
    4) AlgaeCal is specifically designed to increase bone density, and not to offset any adverse effects of the use of any treatment.

    I hope this helps! With all this said, please keep in mind that we are not medical professionals, so we always suggest confirming this with a healthcare professional :).

    – Yoori

  3. Mahin

    September 10, 2023 , 7:55 am

    Thanks for sending me this article , because I always thought that obesity is good for osteoporosis.👍🏽👌😊🙏🏿

This article features advice from our industry experts to give you the best possible info through cutting-edge research.

Lara Pizzorno
MDiv, MA, LMT - Best-selling author of Healthy Bones Healthy You! and Your Bones; Editor of Longevity Medicine Review, and Senior Medical Editor for Integrative Medicine Advisors.,
Dr. Liz Lipski
PhD, CNS, FACN, IFMP, BCHN, LDN - Professor and Director of Academic Development, Nutrition programs in Clinical Nutrition at Maryland University of Integrative Health.,
Dr. Loren Fishman
MD, B.Phil.,(oxon.) - Medical Director of Manhattan Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Founder of the Yoga Injury Prevention Website.,
Prof. Didier Hans
PHD, MBA - Head of Research & Development Center of Bone Diseases, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, Switzerland,