Fat Mass and Bone Health in Chinese Adolescents
Author Information
Author(s): Hong Xiumei, Arguelles Lester M, Liu Xin, Tsai Hui-Ju, Hsu Yi-Hsiang, Wang Binyan, Zhang Shanchun, Li Zhiping, Tang Gengfu, Liu Xue, Yang Jianhua, Xu Xiping, Langman Craig, Wang Xiaobin
Primary Institution: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Is there an association between percent fat mass and bone parameters in rural Chinese adolescents?
Conclusion
In lean Chinese adolescents, higher percent fat mass is associated with lower bone mass and hip geometry.
Supporting Evidence
- Inverse associations were observed between percent fat mass and bone parameters after controlling for body weight.
- Heritability estimates for bone parameters ranged from 64% to 86%.
- Both shared genetics and environmental factors contributed to the inverse relationships.
Takeaway
This study found that having more fat can be bad for bones in teenagers, especially in how strong their hips are.
Methodology
The study used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure bone parameters and multiple linear regression models to assess relationships.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on self-reported physical activity and dietary information.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and the study may not represent non-twin populations.
Participant Demographics
Participants were 786 males and 618 females aged 13 to 21 years from a rural Chinese twin cohort.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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