Anthropometric predictors of bone mineral density in healthy Lebanese subjects aged 13 to 25 years

Abstract

Introduction The aim of this study was to identify the strongest anthropometric predictors of bone mineral density (BMD) in a group of healthy Lebanese subjects aged 13 to 25 years. Summary of facts This study included 84 males and 74 females. Body composition and BMD were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). BMD of the whole body (WB), the lumbar spine (L2-L4), the total hip (TH) and the femoral neck (FN) was measured by DXA. Using multivariate analysis, lean mass was the strongest anthropometrical predictor of WB, lumbar spine, TH and FN BMD in males. In females, using multivariate analysis, lean mass was the strongest anthropometrical predictor of WB and FN BMD, and body weight was the strongest anthropometrical predictor of lumbar spine and TH BMD. Conclusion This study suggests that lean mass is the strongest anthropometrical predictor of BMD in males, and both lean mass and body weight are strong anthropometrical predictors of BMD in females.