Predictors of bone mineral density in patients with eating disorders

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine potential clinical predictors of bone density in patients with eating disorders. Method: We studied 137 women with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or eating disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) after admission to the hospital. Clinical data of patients were collected by clinical interview and standardized questionnaires. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Results: Lumbar bone density was significantly correlated to present and past minimum weight even after correction for height and age. Other factors did not reach significance. Conclusion: Normalized present and past weight is the best predictor of lumbar bone density in patients with eating disorders. Factors like reduced caloric intake, binge eating, vomiting, menstrual status, and use of estrogen, laxatives, and nicotine seem to have no independent effect on bone density in this group of patients.