Whole-body bone mineral density and markers of bone homeostasis in adults with normal-weight obesity

Bryant H Keirns; Christina M Sciarrillo; Austin R Medlin; Samantha M Hart; Elyse M Cronic; Sam R Emerson

doi:10.1016/j.obpill.2023.100073

Whole-body bone mineral density and markers of bone homeostasis in adults with normal-weight obesity

Obes Pillars. 2023 Jun 1:7:100073. doi: 10.1016/j.obpill.2023.100073. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Authors

Bryant H Keirns¹, Christina M Sciarrillo¹, Austin R Medlin², Samantha M Hart¹, Elyse M Cronic¹, Sam R Emerson¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University 301 Nancy Randolph Davis, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
² Department of Health & Wellness Design, Indiana University School of Public Health, 1025 E. Seventh St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.

Abstract

Background: Normal-weight obesity (NWO) describes individuals with a normal body mass index (BMI), but high body fat percent. NWO are at-risk for cardiometabolic diseases, but little is known about their bone health.

Methods: Adults (N = 24) were classified as NWO (n = 12; 5M/7F) or low body fat percent controls (Con; n = 12; 6M/6F). Body composition and whole-body bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed using DXA. A serum bioplex assay was performed to examine markers related to bone formation and resorption.

Results: In addition to higher body fat percent and visceral fat, NWO had lower whole-body BMD relative to Con (p's < 0.05). Circulating leptin was higher in NWO than Con (p < 0.05). Two biomarkers generally associated with lower bone mass - sclerostin and parathyroid hormone - were higher in NWO compared to Con (p's < 0.05).

Conclusion: In this preliminary study, adults with NWO displayed lower whole-body BMD alongside evidence of bone resorption. Impaired bone health may be another subclinical risk factor present in NWO.

Keywords: Body fat percent; Bone formation; Bone mineral density; Bone resorption; Normal-weight obesity.