The impact of anorexia nervosa on bone health

Adolescence is a critical period for the development of peak bone mass and is influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Anorexia nervosa (AN), the third most common chronic illness among adolescent girls, can compromise bone accretion during these formative years, resulting in both early osteoporosis and an increased fracture risk. The bone loss that is seen is multi-factorial and mechanisms that lead to skeletal losses in this young group represent an area of active research. Therapeutic strategies to prevent bone loss in affected young women is also an area of both controversy and investigation. The evaluation of bone mass is young adolescents with AN is reviewed in the context of limitations of current measurement tools. Results from recent clinical studies are also discussed, as well as a multi-disciplinary approach to ongoing outpatient management.