Osteoporosis and Eating Disorders

Anorexic or Bulimic Individuals Have Higher Chance of Bone Loss

© Lori Henry

Osteoporosis and Eating Disorders, Microsoft Image Gallery

Osteo prevention is important for young people, but requires treatment if not enough nutrients are eaten

Individuals who have been anorexic, bulimic or excessively dieting are at a higher risk of osteoporosis. Eating disorders are hard on the body and the lack of nutrients can lead to bone loss.

Osteoporosis

It is a bone disease caused by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. It often leads to fractures, broken bones and bone fragility. The hip, spine and wrist are the most common places of vulnerability.

Drug and Non-Drug TreatmentDrugs are commonly used to make sure there are no bone fractures. Speaking with a physician is extremely important, as they can recommend the best treatment and assist in long term care. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D will be beneficial no matter which treatment option is chosen. Weight bearing exercises are also valuable, as they build bone strength without drugs.

Osteoporosis Prevention and Exercise

There are ways that one can prevent osteo from developing, the most common being physical activity. It is recommended that children begin to build strong bones this way, as youth is when they develop. It is also advantageous because it helps improve balance, strength, flexibility and posture, which increases coordination and keeps the body from falling.

Symptoms

There are no obvious symptoms of osteoporosis as there are with other physical diseases. Bone loss can accumulate through the years without any outer indications. Sometimes called the “silent thief,” it is dangerous because it’s usually only discovered after a person has fractured a bone or had a heavy fall.

Screening

There are tests that can be done to test a person’s bone density. Scores are compared to a “normal” test of a body of the same age, which allows Doctors to tell whether there has been bone loss or if there’s a risk of permanent damage.

Eating Disorders and Osteo

Those who have anorexia or bulimia have an extremely high rate for osteoporosis. The lack of nutrients, the physical damage done and the often over exercising all contribute to bone loss. This is especially true if the person has an eating disorder when they’re a teenager, as this is the time when bones are developing.

Those who are recovering from an eating disorder should ask their Doctor for a bone density test, regardless of their age. Gentle but weight bearing exercises should then be done in order to strengthen the density. Consulting with a physician is imperative to making sure that no lasting damage has been done or to proceed with treatment if the bones are already weak.


The copyright of the article Osteoporosis and Eating Disorders in Eating Disorders is owned by Lori Henry. Permission to republish Osteoporosis and Eating Disorders must be granted by the author in writing.


Osteoporosis and Eating Disorders, Microsoft Image Gallery
       


Post this Article to facebook Add this Article to del.icio.us! Digg this Article furl this Article Add this Article to Reddit Add this Article to Technorati Add this Article to Newsvine Add this Article to Windows Live Add this Article to Yahoo Add this Article to StumbleUpon Add this Article to BlinkLists Add this Article to Spurl Add this Article to Google Add this Article to Ask Add this Article to Squidoo