Study on the effect of body composition on bone mineral density in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-7795.2026.04.007

Abstract

Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between body weight, fat mass index (FMI), fat-free mass (FFM), and bone mineral density (BMD) in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.MethodsA total of 153 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women aged 40–65 years, who visited our hospital between March 2024 and February 2026, were recruited. Height and body weight were measured. Body composition (including total body fat percentage and fat distribution) was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis to calculate FFM. BMD in the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Spearman correlation analysis, linear regression analysis, and mediation analysis were performed on the obtained BMD and body composition data.ResultsSpearman correlation analysis showed that body weight, body mass index (BMI), FFM, FMI, total body fat percentage, and fat distribution were significantly positively correlated with BMD in different areas (all P < 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that after including FFM in the model, the positive effect of body weight on BMD in different areas disappeared. Mediation analysis further confirmed that the effect of body weight on lumbar spine BMD was mediated by FFM.ConclusionIn perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, FFM, rather than total body mass, exerts a protective effect on bone mineral density. Therefore, maintaining a favorable body composition structure is beneficial for bone health.

Key words: perimenopausal period, , postmenopausal period, bone mineral density, body composition, fat mass index, fat-free mass, osteoporosis

CLC Number:

Li Kaiyin, Ruan Xiangyan, Wang Zecheng , Zhang Mingzhen, Liu Anming, Wang Yuejiao, Alfred O. Mueck, . Study on the effect of body composition on bone mineral density in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women[J]. Journal of Capital Medical University, doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-7795.2026.04.007.

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