Effects of weight change on bone mass and metabolic parameters in obese adolescents

SummaryBackground & aimsDuring adolescence the effects of weight change on bone mass are not fully investigated. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of a nutritional intervention on bone and metabolic parameters in obese adolescents.MethodsBody composition, total-body bone mineral density, metabolic parameters and dietary intake were evaluated at baseline and after 9 months of nutritional intervention.ResultsThirty-six subjects, mean age of 16.6 (1.4) years, completed the study. Weight loss was observed in 20 adolescents, 6.2 (4.6)% from baseline weight. Weight gain occurred in 16 subjects, 3.9 (3.2)% from baseline weight. A significant increase in HDL concentrations was observed in both groups. A decrease in triglycerides and insulin concentrations, as well as HOMA values, was observed in the weight-loss group. Differently from results obtained with adults or elderly, in adolescents who lost weight there was an increase in total-body bone mineral content (BMC), associated with alterations in total-body fat, appendicular and trunk fat (r = −0.697; p = 0.001), leptin and HDL concentrations and height.ConclusionsIntervention program for weight loss was related to an improvement in metabolic parameters and an increase in bone measurements of post-pubertal obese adolescents, indicating no negative effect of weight loss on bone mass.