Bone Abstracts

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is reported in 0.2–1% of adolescent girls and is characterized by physiological and adaptive changes in various endocrine axes. Alterations also occur in many hormones secreted or regulated by fat (a reflection of energy stores) that can impact bone. Physiological endocrine changes in AN in turn lead to impaired bone accrual rates, low bone density, impaired bone microarchitecture, decreased bone strength, and an increased risk for fracture. In addition, decreased pubertal bone accrual in AN raises concerns regarding attainment of peak bone mass, an important determinant of bone health and fracture risk in later life. Weight and menses recovery are associated with some improvement in bone accrual, however, residual deficits persist. Therapeutic strategies to improve bone accrual in AN are limited, and include physiologic estrogen replacement in adolescents, and use of bisphosphonates in adults.

Disclosure: The author declared no competing interests.