Obesity may increase osteoporosis risk

Individuals who are significantly overweight may be more likely to require a prescription to buy Evista to reduce their risk of developing osteoporosis, as a new study has shown that a hormone related to obesity increases the risk of the brittle bone disease.

A team of investigators from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden showed that men who had higher levels of the hormone adiponectin were at a much higher risk of suffering a broken bone, having weak bones and be more physically aged.

Adiponectin is a hormone released by fat tissue. Everyone has some level of it in their system. However, by virtue of the fact that they have more fatty tissue, obese individuals tend to produce more of the hormone. The findings show that this can eventually cause serious health problems.

"High levels of adiponectin in the elderly seem to be associated with both reduced functioning of the musculature and a more fragile skeleton," said lead researcher Dan Mellström. "This means a higher risk of fractures and falls, and also increased mortality."

Obesity rates are rising at rapid rates in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one-third of adults are either overweight or obese.