The saturation effect of body mass index on femoral neck bone mineral density in a sample of apparently healthy older Syrians: A cross-sectional study.

IntroductionObesity and osteoporosis are important and common global health problems because of their increasing prevalence and significant impact on mortality and morbidity. The relationship between obesity and bone mineral density remains controversial and is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the saturation effect of body mass index on femoral neck bone mineral density in apparently healthy older Syrians adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed data from 170 apparently healthy Syrian adults (both males and females) aged ≥50 years. Height and weight were measured, and body mass index was calculated. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and femoral neck was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.ResultsThe results of this study showed a statistically significant positive relationship between femoral neck bone mineral density and body mass index (p value < 0.001). This relationship was not linear; rather, a fitted curve indicated a turning point (saturation value) at which the positive effect of body mass index reached its peak and then began to gradually decrease.ConclusionsThere was a positive relationship between femoral neck bone mineral density and body mass index in both males and females, with a saturation effect of body mass index on femoral neck bone mineral density. The body mass index saturation value was 30.5 kg/m2 in apparently healthy older Syrian adults.