INFLUENCE OF BODY MASS INDEX AND OTHER FACTORS ON BONE MINERAL DENSITY IN POST MENOPAUSAL WOMEN - AN EVALUATION BY QUANTITATIVE ULTRASOUND

Aims and objectives- To study the influence of Body Mass Index, time since menopause, socio-economic conditions and physical activity on Bone Mineral Density in postmenopausal women and to identify the most vulnerable group for osteoporotic fractures. Methods- This study was conducted in our hospital in 50 postmenopausal women attending outpatient department and the hospital workers. Women were assigned to groups based on Socio-economic class and physical activity by using questionnaire. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated using the Quetlet index. Bone Mineral Density was measured using the Quantitative Ultrasound machine. Results- 6 out of 10 women with low BMI had Osteoporosis(60 percent). But only 1 out of 11 women with BMI above 24.99 had Osteoporosis(9 percent). As many as 6 out of 12(50 percent) postmenopausal women who attained early menopause(below 45yrs) had Osteoporosis. Only 11 out of 38(29 percent) postmenopausal women who attained menopause after 45 years had Osteoporosis. 11 out of 24 postmenopausal women who belong to low socio-economic class have osteoporosis(46 percent) Only one out of 6 postmenopausal women who belong to high socio-economic class have osteoporosis(17 percent). As many as 6 out of 15 women who lead a sedentary lifestyle have Osteoporosis (40 percent). But only 2 postmenopausal women with active life style have Osteoporosis(17 percent). Conclusion- This Study reveals that Low BMI, Low Socio-economic status, early attainment of Menopause and Physical inactivity are significant risk factors for developing Osteopenia and subsequently Osteoporosis. This Study is aimed at bringing out the importance of a good BMI, active life style and improvement in socio-economic conditions in reducing the incidence and severity of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis.