By David Liu, PHD

Sunday Sept 23, 2012 (foodconsumer.org) -- Women with obesity are at high risk for osteoporosis, which a major cause for fractures, according to a new study published in Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation.

Osteoporosis makes skeletal bones weak, leading to high risk for fractures.   Anyone may develop osteoporosis, but older women are at higher risk.  Almost half of all women and a quarter of men older than 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis in the United States.

Obesity has been linked in early studies to female osteoporosis.  The current study was meant to examine the association between obesity and risk of osteoporosis in Chinese women.

In the study led by Sichuan University in Chengdu, Sichuan, China,  4202 women enrolled between Aug. 2003 and Dec 205 were surveyed for age, height, weight, diseases, frequency of physical exercise and smoking status through a questionnaire.

Five independent factors,  age, hypertension, smoking, exercise, and body mass index were associated with osteoporosis.  Obesity was linked with higher risk for osteoporosis.

The researchers concluded "In Southwest China, obesity increases the risk of female osteoporosis. This finding provides a theoretical basis for its prevention in developing countries."

Risk factors for osteoporosis include but not limited to certain medicines and a medical condition called osteopenia, which is low bone density.  It has been well established that taking calcium and vitamin D supplements can help prevent osteoporosis.