Obesity hormone may increase risk of osteoporosis in the elderly

In addition to obesity causing cardiovascular disease, its name is now being linked to osteoporosis—and an increased risk of fractures, according to Swedish researchers from the University of Gothenburg.

During an internal study on the risk factors associated with osteoporosis in elderly men, the researches postulated that raised levels of the body’s obesity hormone, known as adiponectin, could be connected to the degenerative bone disease. “High levels of adiponectin in the elderly seem to be associated with both reduced functioning of the musculature and a more fragile skeleton,” researchers said. “This means a higher risk of fractures and falls, and also increased mortality.”

Researchers said that the skeleton is home to various hormones that control the body’s blood sugar and obesity by sending signals to other organs.

The results are based on the Mr OS study, which is looking into the risk factors for osteoporosis in elderly men. The study includes around 11,000 men in Sweden, the United States and Hong Kong.

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