ATHLETES
WOMEN
1.1.
Osteoporosis: Are You at Risk NOW?
Osteoporosis affects an estimated 4-6 million women in the United States. It is a condition characterized by decreased bone mass and density leading to fragile bones with increased susceptibility to fractures. It is well established that bone density decreases with increased age. In other words, our bones become weaker as we age.
Although osteoporosis is often associated with the elderly, young women may also be afflicted. For example, a 28-year old female triathlete who recently participated in a health screening being offered at her workplace, discovered to her surprise that she had the bone density of a 65 year old! Why did this apparently “healthy” and young athlete have such an undesirable bone density profile.
There are several factors associated with decreased bone density and increased risk for osteoporosis. These include female gender, Caucasian or Asian ethnic heritage, advanced age, low estrogen levels at any age, prolonged non-weightbearing, poor calcium intake and absorption, and tobacco use. In addition, studies have shown a positive correlation between high caffeine intake and decreased calcium absorption. The phosphoric acid contained in dark colored soft drinks (i.e. coke, pepsi…read the label) has also been shown to inhibit the utilization of dietary calcium.
After investigating the woman described above, the following information was obtained: This woman was Caucasian. She had a very low body fat. She did not get her monthly menstrual periods possibly due to her low body fat levels and/or high exercise intensity. Her diet consisted of restricted caloric intake, high caffeine intake (diet coke!), no dairy products, and no calcium supplementation. It is no wonder she had the bone density of a 65 year old!
Are you at increased risk for osteoporosis? Do some of your lifestyle and eating habits resemble those of this 28 year-old woman? Do you have two or more of the risk factors mentioned above? If so, take initiative now. Maintain awareness of the risk factors associated with osteoporosis and make the appropriate changes to your lifestyle. Your physician or healthcare professional can provide more specific steps you can take to prevent this condition. Consider taking a bone density test. Determining your current bone density status will help guide you in making your lifestyle decisions. Do let osteoporosis happen to you!
1. Birge P.C., L. Hone, and J.R. Shepherd. Osteoporosis and treadmill performance.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 31(5 Supplement): S247, 1999.
2. Dilh, M.N., D. Benardot, D.E. Martin, et.al. Relationship between bone mineral
density, energy intake, and menstrual status in elite female gymnasts. Medicine and
Science in Sports and Exercise. 31(5 Supplement): S248, 1999.
3. Bemben, D.A., D.B. Langdon, M.G. Bemben, et.al. Influence of estrogen
replacement therapy on bone density, muscle strength, and body composition in
postmenopausal women. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 31
(5 Supplement): S247, 1999.
copyright July 2000 BIGGRNYU.COM.