Anorexia Nervosa May Change The Structure Of The Bones

New research indicates children and teenagers with even a mild case anorexia nervosa can develop abnormal bone structure before they lose bone density. Once the bone structure is changed, it can cause loss of bone density.

Clinical Study

An imaging technique called dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is used to measure bone mineral density in adolescents with anorexia. This study, researchers assessed bone structure using high-resolution computed tomography (CT) as well as bone mineral density using DXA.

Clinical Findings

They compared the scans of adolescent girls with anorexia and others without. No differences were observed in bone mineral density, but the CT exam showed significant differences in bone structure between the two groups. The researchers found that changes in bone structure occur in anorexic adolescents before decreases in bone density. Once the structure changes the bone density loss follows.

Conclusion

Anorexia affects so many parts of the human body. Without proper “insulation” (fat cells), the bones become more vulnerable to breaks causing even more medical problems for an individual with anorexia.

Source: Presented at the Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting

Eating Disorder Self Test. Take the EAT-26 self test to see if you might have eating disorder symptoms that might require professional evaluation. All answers are confidential.

Find a Treatment Facility Near You

Click on a state below to find eating disorder treatment options that could be right for you.

Where do calls go?

Calls to numbers on a specific treatment center listing will be routed to that treatment center. Calls to any general helpline will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed, each of which is a paid advertiser: ARK Behavioral Health, Recovery Helpline, Alli Addiction Services.

By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment.

CALL NOW FOR IMMEDIATE HELPCALL NOW FOR IMMEDIATE HELP800-776-3990Response time about 1 min | Response rate 100%
Who Answers?