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Osteoporosis—a serious health risk in chronic anorexia nervosa
Author(s) -
Serpell Lucy,
Treasure Janet
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-0968(199709)5:3<149::aid-erv210>3.0.co;2-8
Subject(s) - anorexia nervosa , osteoporosis , eating disorders , medicine , treasure , anorexia , pediatrics , psychiatry , psychology , philosophy , theology
In recent years, osteoporosis, a condition characterized by low bone density and increased risk of fracture, has been shown to be a relatively common complication in long‐term anorexia nervosa (Treasure et al. , 1986, 1987; Rigotti et al. , 1991), and one which appears to persist after recovery and weight gain (Ward and Treasure, 1997). This article will describe the condition of osteoporosis as it occurs in anorexia nervosa and how it may be measured and diagnosed. Possible mechanisms for the development of osteoporosis in this patient group will be described, and contrasted with the development of post‐menopausal osteoporosis. Finally a screening and treatment protocol for clinicians working with anorexia patients will be described. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.