Patients with eating disorders. A high-risk group for fractures

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze fracture risk and bone mineral density in patients with eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other eating disorders).

Design: Clinical overview.

Findings: Bone mineral density is decreased and fracture risk increased in patients with anorexia nervosa. In patients with bulimia nervosa, bone mineral is only marginally decreased and fracture risk marginally increased. In patients with other eating disorders (eating disorders not otherwise specified), bone mineral density is decreased and fracture risk increased.

Conclusions: Fracture risk is increased in patients with eating disorders. An eating disorder should be suspected in severely underweight young individuals (primarily girls) presenting with fractures, especially low-energy fractures.