Obesity in women increases the risk of fractures

The research followed 20,000 women and men aged 40 to 70 from 2009 to 2016.

The results indicate that when a woman is overweight or obese she is at greater risk for fractures. A larger waist circumference is also associated with an increased risk of fractures.

For every 5 cm increase in girth, the risk of fractures increases by 3% and the risk of leg fracture by 7%.

And BMI (body mass index) is linked to the risk of leg fractures. Women with a BMI of 22.5 have a 5% lower risk than those with a BMI of 25. And those with a BMI of 27.5 are at a 5% higher risk than the latter. Girls with a BMI of 40, they are at a 40% higher risk than before.

In men, BMI and waist circumference are not strongly associated with fracture risk.

The results are still considered preliminary.

[Source: http://www.iatronet.gr]