CORRELATION OF BODY MASS INDEX & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WITH BONE MINERAL DENSITY IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Background & objectives: Bone Mineral Density (BMD) estimates strength of bones. There is an increasing incidence and prevalence of osteoporosis with about 200 million women having osteoporosis worldwide. In India it is emerging as a major health problem in elderly women. It is proved that exercise protects osteoporosis. Many studies has been reported a positive correlation between Body Mass Index, physical activity & BMD. But only in postmenopausal women studies are less hence this study is planned to find correlation of BMI and physical activity with BMD. Methods: In 131 postmenopausal women BMD was estimated by Dual Energy X- ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) for spine and femur in gm/cm2 . BMI and physical activity was also found out. Data was analysed using correlation coefficient. Results: There was positive correlation between BMI and BMD. (p≤ 0.05) Also, there was positive correlation between Physical activity and BMD, though the correlation was not statistically significant. Interpretation & conclusion: Body mass index and physical activity are positively correlated with bone mineral density. BMD screening program for older adults should be encouraged for early detection of osteoporotic risk and to prevent further complication