BMI and EAT-26, Predictors for Low BMD?

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to characterize bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy adult females in the Southern United States. A secondary purpose was to determine to what extent age, race, body mass index (BMI), and disordered eating contribute to BMD status. Age ranged from 25 to 50 years (39.8 ± 8.5). Race was classified into Caucasian or non-Caucasian. BMI was 28.97 ± 7.85 (kg/m2). The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was used to identify disordered eating characteristics. The Alara MetriScan was used to assess BMD values. Regression results showed that the linear combination of three independent variables—age, race, and BMI—predicted 34.5% of the variance in BMD, R2 = .345, R2adj = .334, F(3, 170) = 29.87, p < .001. The strongest predictor of low BMD was Caucasian race.