Next Article in Journal
Developing a Model for Integrating of Tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Primary Healthcare Services in Oliver Reginald (O.R) Tambo District, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Previous Article in Journal
Specialized Care Resources for Diagnosis and Management of Patients Who Have Suffered Falls: Results of a National Survey in Geriatric Units
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

The Impact of Age and Body Composition on Bone Density among Office Worker Women in Hungary

1
Institute of Physical Education and Sports Science, Faculty of Education, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
2
Doctoral School of Health Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
3
Institute of Physiotherapy and Sports Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
4
Sports Science Research Group, Research Institute, Gál Ferenc University, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(11), 5976; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20115976
Submission received: 25 April 2023 / Revised: 25 May 2023 / Accepted: 26 May 2023 / Published: 28 May 2023

Abstract

:
The study’s aim was to investigate bone condition and see its associations with body composition and age among office worker women in Hungary. In total, 316 individuals participated in this study from Csongrad-Csanad county in 2019. Participants’ ages ranged from 18 to 62, with a mean of 41 years. A questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic information, whereas body composition was measured using the Inbody 230, and bone density and bone quality were measured with the SONOST 3000 ultrasound device. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test, correlation analysis, and an independent sample t-test. The results show that Body Fat Mass, Body Mass Index, Obesity Degree, and Percent Body Fat increase significantly as age increases, and Bone Quality Index and t-score decrease substantially. Furthermore, Bone Density and Bone Quality Index were positively influenced by most components of body composition. The differences between normal and osteopenia bone quality showed that Basal Metabolic Rate, Bone Mineral Content, Fat-Free Mass, Mineral Mass, Skeletal Lean Mass, and Skeletal Muscle Mass were lower in participants with osteopenia. Our results provide more evidence of the effects of body composition and age on bone density and quality. It was the first study in Hungary investigating this phenomenon, which could be useful for professionals and researchers who intend to understand the associations of bone density.

1. Introduction

The battle against chronic diseases is a key topic of recent studies in many fields. The past few decades showed the acceleration of such diseases due to the growing rate of unhealthy lifestyles [1,2,3,4]. Osteoporosis is one of the main concerns that has a growing incidence, and it is associated with low bone density [5]. It is a major problem since it can negatively affect individuals’ quality of life [6]. Bone density decreases with age [5,7,8,9], but an unhealthy lifestyle enhances the risk of the low bone density [10,11,12,13]. Previous studies highlighted gender differences as well. Women are at higher risk for osteoporosis than men since hormonal changes after menopause directly affect bone density [14,15].
The most affected areas in osteoporosis are North America and Europe, but there is a growing trend in developing countries as well [16,17]. Most osteoporotic fractures in disability-adjusted life years (DALY) occurred in Europe (34%), showing a higher prevalence than the most common cancers [18]. In Hungary, the proportion of patients with bone density and bone structure abnormalities increased by 140% between 2011 and 2019, affecting 7–10% of the population [19]. The prevalence of osteoporosis among women over 50 years are four times more common than among men in the European Union. [20].
Unhealthy lifestyle is a major problem in Hungary. Poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and alcohol consumption are the main issues, which can be associated with low bone density [21,22,23]. Furthermore, two thirds of the Hungarian population are overweight or obese and generally have higher percentages of body fat and lower percentages of muscle mass compared to other European populations [22]. Due to these problems, the prevalence of osteoporosis in Hungarian women over 50 years of age was 21.6% [24].
Body composition was found as an important predictor for low bone density, but these links have not been investigated well in the Hungarian population. However, other international studies revealed the extensive role of body composition in bone density. For example, a study by Correa-Rodríguez and colleagues [25] found associations between height, weight, Body Mass Index, Lean mass, Body Fat Mass, and Bone Quality Index among young Spanish adults. In another study, Body Fat Percentage and Visceral Fat Percentage were negative predictors of Bone Quality Index [26]. Other studies also indicated that high level of Body Fat decreases bone quality among sedentary worker women [12,27,28]. Interestingly, in a study of more than 6000 Italian women aged 30–80 years, obesity was found to be a protective factor against osteoporosis [29]. Consistent with these findings, high Bone Mineral Density was found to be associated with increased Body Mass Index and waist circumference [30,31,32]. Brunner and colleagues [7] studied the elderly German population and found that Fat-Free Mass had a positive influence on bone quality in the heel. Gjesdal [33] came to similar conclusions when examining the relationship between Fat-Free Mass and Bone Mineral Density at the femoral neck. Muscle mass has been identified as a protective factor for bone health, as a positive association between muscle mass and Bone Mineral Density has been found [14,34]. According to Jiang and colleagues [34], lower limb muscle mass is better at preventing osteoporosis than upper limb skeletal muscle.
Overall, several body composition factors have a role in bone density, but the studies show some inconsistencies. Therefore, investigating this issue from another perspective would be beneficial. Furthermore, recent Hungarian studies on this topic mainly investigated the relationship between unhealthy lifestyle and bone density, and there is a lack of information on the body composition of Hungarian women [35,36]. Therefore, the goal of this study is to analyze bone conditions and see their associations with body compositions and ages among office worker women. We analyzed this population since they have an increased risk of undesirable body compositions and lower bone densities [12,37]. We hypothesize that the values of body composition components (e.g., BMI, Fat Mass, Bone Mineral Content, etc.) are related to bone density and bone quality. In addition, we assume that bone density, bone quality, and body composition will deteriorate with age.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Participants and Procedure

Participants in this study were recruited among office worker women in the Fall of 2019. They were employees for the local government office in Csongrad-Csanad county, Hungary. All subjects agreed to participate in this study. They were assured no personal data (e.g., names) would be collected, and all data would be used for statistical purposes. They had to take an online-based questionnaire before they came to the face-to-face physical examinations. A total of 316 participants aged between 18–62 was willing to participate in this study (AgeMean = 41; AgeSD = 9). For the study purposes and to make visible changes for the observed variables, the sample was divided into four age groups following the previous literature [1,38,39]: young adults—aged 18–29 (n = 50); adults—aged 30–39 (n = 88); middle-aged adults—aged 40–49 (n = 104); older adults—above 50 (n = 74).
After, the participants filled out the short questionnaire about their socio-demographics. Bone density was measured using Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) with SONOST 3000, and body composition was measured using Inbody 230. The whole process was supervised by the same trained medical team. The investigation lasted three weeks and was conducted in the central building of the Szeged government office. They came to the designated room at a scheduled time every day. As 88 questionnaires had already been completed, only the physical examinations were performed. First, body height, body composition, and, finally, bone density were measured. In each case, the measurement parameters of the right calcaneus (heel bone) were recorded. The bone examination and body analysis took approximately 15 min for each subject. The study was approved by the institutional ethical board (ethical code: 2/2019SZTE).

2.2. Measures

2.2.1. Sociodemographic Questions

Participants were asked about their sociodemographic data to see the sample’s characteristics. The questionnaire contained close-ended questions on their age, education, and family background (e.g., “What is your highest education?”).

2.2.2. Body Composition

Body composition was measured with Inbody 230 (Biospace Co. Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea). The participants were asked to stand on the device barefoot and hold the thumb electrode for 30 s. The following parameters were calculated by this device: Abdominal Obesity Degree, Basal Metabolic Rate, Body Fat Mass Bone Mineral Content, Fat Free Mass, Mineral Mass, Obesity Degree. Percent Body Fat, Skeletal Lean Mass, Skeletal Muscle Mass, Visceral Fat Area, and Body Mass Index. Table 1 represents all the definitions and units of measures [40,41,42,43].

2.2.3. Bone Density and Bone Quality

Bone Density and Bone Quality Indexes were measured with a SONOST 3000 (Osteosys, Seoul, Republic of Korea) ultrasound bone densitometer. SONOST 3000 is a mobile Bone Mineral Density meter that is used to measure broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and the speed of sound (SOS), which are both related to temperature. It is a non-invasive and portable device commonly used in clinical settings for bone density screening and assessment [44,45]. The SONOST 3000 was calibrated daily using according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the accuracy of the measurements [46]. The device is primarily used to assess bone quality by measuring the t-score and Bone Quality Index at the calcaneus of the right or the left heel. Quantitative Ultrasound were found to be an effective method to predict fracture and Bone Mineral Density, and it could reduce the number of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry [5,20,47].
The t-score of the right heel was determined using the operations manual of the equipment [46]. The t-score is output directly by the ultrasound device, and it is calculated by comparing a person’s lower bone density scores, indicating a greater risk of fracture and a lower level of bone density. The classification provided by the WHO [48] was used to determine normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis levels of bone density. Hence, a T-score value above –1 was classified as normal. t-scores of −1 and −2.5 were classified as moderate or osteopenia bone densities, and t-scores below −2.5 were classified as low or osteoporosis bone densities [20].
Bone Quality Index was calculated as well. Bone Quality Index represented the bone strength of the individuals. The accuracy error of Bone Quality Index was less than 1.5%. There was no exact reference range of Bone Quality Index since the process depends on the specific ultrasound device. SONOST 3000 calculates Bone Quality Index as follows: BQI = αSOS + βBUA (αβ: temperature correction) [46]. The higher Bone Quality Index score indicates better bone quality and lower fracture risk. Bone Quality Index values ranged between 11.3 and 128 in this study.

2.3. Statistical Methods

Descriptive statistics were used to determine the characteristics of the sample. Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to see the normality of our data. The test showed that our variables did not deviate significantly from a normal distribution. Hence, One-way analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s post hoc test was used to understand the differences between the body composition, t-score, and Bone Quality Index in different age groups. The homogeneity of variance was examined with Leven’s test. The homogeneity assumption of the variance was met since all variables showed non-significant results. For the comparison of age, t-score, Bone Quality Index, and body composition, correlation analysis was utilized. Age was examined using two different methods for better understanding. Finally, Independent Sample t-test was used to determine the significant differences between normal bone quality and osteopenia bone quality. Eta square (η²) and Cohen’s d were used as effect sizes for ANOVA and t-test. Eta-squared values ranged from 0 to 1, with larger values indicating a stronger relationship between the variables. Cohen’s d value of 0.2 was considered a small effect size, 0.5 was a moderate effect size, and 0.8 or higher was a large effect size. SPSS for Windows 15.0 was used for all statistical analysis. The significance level was set at 95% in all cases.

3. Results

Table 2 shows the components of the Body Composition, T-score, and Bone Quality Index between age groups. Abdominal Obesity Degree (F = 5.96; p < 0.001), Body Fat Mass (F = 7.13; p < 0.001), Body Mass Index (F = 8.44; p < 0.001), Obesity Degree (F = (8.43; p < 0.001), Percent Body Fat (F = 9.84; p < 0.001), Visceral Fat Area (F = 11.86; p < 0.001), Bone Quality Index (F = 4.86; p < 0.05), and t-score (F = 148.71; p < 0.001) were found to be significant. The Tukey post hoc test revealed that the age groups between 18–29 were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the age groups of 30–49 and 50+ in the variable of Abdominal Obesity Degree, Body Mass Index, Obesity Degree, Percent Body Fat, and Visceral Fat Area. Body Fat Mass, Bone Quality Index, and t-score were only significantly differentiated between age groups of 18–29 and 50+. Even though the post hoc test showed the main significant differences between the age groups, the trend showed a deterioration with the incasement of age in all the variables.
Correlation analysis showed that age had significant and positive associations between Abdominal Obesity Degree (r = 0.22), Body Fat Mass (r = 0.28), Body Mass Index (r = 0.31), Obesity Degree (r = 0.32), Percent Body Fat (r = 0.33), and Visceral Fat Area (r = 0.22). Bone Quality Index was positively associated with Basal Metabolic Rate (r = 0.18), Body Fat Mass (r = 0.14), Body Mass Index (r = 0.15), Bone Mineral Content (r = 0.17), Fat Free Mass (r = 0.18), Mineral Mass (r = 0.17), Obesity Degree (r = 0.15), Skeletal Lean Mass (r = 0.18), and Skeletal Muscle Mass (r = 0.18). The associations of t-score were the same as Bone Quality Index. Thus, Basal Metabolic Rate (r = 0.20), Body Fat Mass (r = 0.14), Body Mass Index (r = 0.16), Bone Mineral Content (r = 0.19), Fat Free Mass (r = 0.20), Mineral Mass (r = 0.19), Obesity Degree (r = 0.16), Skeletal Lean Mass (r = 0.20), and Skeletal Muscle Mass (r = 0.20) were positive predictors of the components of body composition (Table 3).
Finally, we categorized the participants using T-score into normal and osteopenia (lower bone density) bone quality, then we analyzed the body composition differences between the two groups. It should be noted again that there was no individual with osteoporosis bone quality. Table 4 shows that Basal Metabolic Rate (t = 1.98; p < 0.01) were significantly higher for normal bone quality. Fat Free Mass (t = 1.98; p < 0.05), Mineral Mass (t = 1.99; p < 0.05), Skeletal Lean Mass (t = 1.97; p < 0.05), and Skeletal Muscle Mass (t = 1.30; p < 0.05) were found to be higher for normal bone quality.

4. Discussion

The aim of the study was to understand the relationship between age, body composition, bone density, and bone quality among office worker women in Hungary. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study investigating this population. We also intended to increase the number of publications about the relationship between bone density and body composition in Hungary.
Two methods were used to examine the relationship between age, body composition, Bone Density, and Bone Quality Index to understand the complex associations between these variables. Even though we hypothesized that body composition worsened for the older age groups, our results only suggested that the components of body composition that increase with age were related to factors associated with obesity [49]. These associations were also consistent with previous studies [29,30,31,32], and there was a clear trend that showed increased Body Mass Indexes in the older women population in Hungary [22]. Other components that described muscle structure, metabolism, and mineral mass did not show significant differences with age in this study. Our results seemed to support the findings that atrophy and mineral loss primarily affect people older than 70 years [50,51]. Basal Metabolic Rate did not differ with age as well, but it is important to note that Free Fat Mass, which is linked to Basal Metabolic Rate, did not differentiate either between the age groups [52].
Bone density and the Bone Quality Index were found to be lower in older age groups than in younger age groups. The association is well-known among researchers and corresponded to our hypotheses [5,7,9,14]. According to the literature, people over the age of 50 are more likely to suffer from bone loss [53], which was reflected in our findings. Women are at a higher risk than men due to hormonal changes. Thus, physical activity and a healthy diet are more important for this population [10,11,15].
There is a lack of studies investigating the relationship between body composition, Bone Density, and Bone Quality Index in the Hungarian population. It turned out in this study that the components related to muscle mass (e.g., Skeletal Muscle Mass, Skeletal Lean Mass) were found to increase bone density and bone quality while also protecting against osteopenia. Although there appears to be a clear relationship between these variables, studies on the role of muscle mass on bone condition are inconsistent. For example, Jiang and colleagues [34] identified as a protective factor on bony condition, whereas Brunner [7] discovered an inverse relationship. Components related to obesity also showed a positive role on Bone Density and Bone Quality Index. Several previous studies found similar relationships [32,54,55]. The reason for this phenomenon is that increased body mass indicates increased mechanical load, which may improve bone structure [56].
Our findings also indicated that bone mineral content and mineral mass were beneficial to bone density and bone quality, as higher mineral content in the bones indicated greater bone strength [57,58]. It was also higher in people with normal bone health. As a result, promoting a healthy diet is critical because it can increase bone minerals [11,17,25]. The Basal Metabolic Rate was also positively correlated to bone quality and density, and it was significantly higher for individuals with normal bone conditions. Choi and Pai [59] discovered a similar result. According to their findings, bone density was highly correlated with BMR in postmenopausal women. However, they also found Basal Metabolic Rate values higher for women with osteoporosis. We believe these associations may have been more complex; therefore, further research into this phenomenon is required, and the key might be the diet of the Hungarian population.
The study had some limitations that should be addressed. At first, we should underline that this study only included women and did not investigate the effects of menopause on bone density; we did not have the opportunity to see hormonal and other metabolism changes during this study. Furthermore, we should emphasize that the subgroup’s sample was not equal, and the data were collected in only one county in Hungary. Thus, our findings could not be generalized to the entire Hungarian population. Another issue was that we did not include lifestyle factors (e.g., physical activity, diet) that could affect bone density. In the future, we hope to continue collecting data and expand the study to a national scale even by using an osteoporosis-specific questionnaire [60] as a supplement to the instrumental measurements. Our future goal is to add other factors (e.g., working conditions) and understand the risk factors (e.g., physical inactivity) of low bone conditions among Hungarian women. This study has shown great interest from our participants since the feedback they receive helps them raise their awareness of a healthier lifestyle that could prevent osteopenia or osteoporosis.

5. Conclusions

In conclusion, our study confirms the hypothesized relationship between body composition, age, bone quality, and bone density. Our findings lead us to the following conclusions: (1) Age has a negative impact on the components of body composition that are linked to obesity; (2) Bone Density and Bone Quality Index are decreasing with age; (3) Increasing muscle and mineral mass help to prevent osteopenia; (4) Obesity-related factors seems to have a protective effect on bone density and bone quality, but our results are inconsistent. Thus, physical activity should be promoted even with overweight individuals since it could prevent bone loss in older ages. We hope that we can have a more detailed picture of Hungarian women’s bone conditions and body compositions that could help to suggest new programs for maintaining the condition of this population with our study.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, B.V., T.B. and F.G.; methodology, T.B.; software, T.B.; validation, B.V. and T.B.; formal analysis, F.G.; investigation, B.V.; resources, Z.K.; data curation, Z.K.; writing—original draft preparation, B.V.; writing—review and editing, F.G.; visualization, T.B.; supervision, F.G. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Institutional Review Board of University of Szeged (protocol code 2/2019-SZTE and 02/04/2018).

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Data Availability Statement

The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

  1. Győri, F.; Berki, T.; Katona, Z.; Vári, B.; Katona, Z.; Petrovszki, Z. Physical Activity in the Southern Great Plain Region of Hungary: The Role of Sociodemographics and Body Mass Index. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 12414. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  2. Wilmot, E.G.; Edwardson, C.L.; Achana, F.A.; Davies, M.J.; Gorely, T.; Gray, L.J.; Khunti, K.; Yates, T.; Biddle, S.J.H. Sedentary Time in Adults and the Association with Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Death: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diabetologia 2012, 55, 2895–2905. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  3. Bauman, A.E.; Chau, J.Y.; Ding, D.; Bennie, J. Too Much Sitting and Cardio-Metabolic Risk: An Update of Epidemiological Evidence. Curr. Cardiovasc. Risk Rep. 2013, 7, 293–298. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  4. Bácsné Bába, É.; Ráthonyi, G.; Müller, A.; Ráthonyi-Odor, K.; Balogh, P.; Ádány, R.; Bács, Z. Physical Activity of the Population of the Most Obese Country in Europe, Hungary. Front. Public Health 2020, 8, 203. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  5. Ding, Z.; Chen, Y.; Xu, Y.; Zhou, X.; Xu, Y.; Ma, Z.; Sun, Y. Impact of Age, Gender, and Body Composition on Bone Quality in an Adult Population From the Middle Areas of China. J. Clin. Densitom. 2018, 21, 83–90. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  6. Srivastava, M.; Deal, C. Osteoporosis in Elderly: Prevention and Treatment. Clin. Geriatr. Med. 2002, 18, 529–555. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  7. Brunner, C.; Pons-Kühnemann, J.; Neuhäuser-Berthold, M. Impact of Age, Anthropometric Data and Body Composition on Calcaneal Bone Characteristics, as Measured by Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) in an Older German Population. Ultrasound Med. Biol. 2011, 37, 1984–1992. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  8. Wang, C.; Chen, P.; Zhuang, J. Validity and Reliability of International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form in Chinese Youth. Res. Q. Exerc. Sport 2013, 84, S80–S86. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Sozen, T.; Ozisik, L.; Calik Basaran, N. An Overview and Management of Osteoporosis. Eur. J. Rheumatol. 2017, 4, 46–56. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Jamal, S.A.; Ridout, R.; Chase, C.; Fielding, L.; Rubin, L.A.; Hawker, G.A. Bone Mineral Density Testing and Osteoporosis Education Improve Lifestyle Behaviors in Premenopausal Women: A Prospective Study. J. Bone Miner. Res. 1999, 14, 2143–2149. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  11. Bijelic, R.; Milicevic, S.; Balaban, J. Risk Factors for Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women. Med. Arch. 2017, 71, 25. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  12. Reid, I.R.; Legge, M.; Stapleton, J.P.; Evans, M.C.; Grey, A.B. Regular Exercise Dissociates Fat Mass and Bone Density in Premenopausal Women. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 1995, 80, 1764–1768. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  13. Office of the Surgeon General (US). Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General; Reports of the Surgeon General; Office of the Surgeon General (US): Rockville, Australian, 2004. [Google Scholar]
  14. Wang, Y.; Wang, S.; Chen, Z.; Ran, Z. The Relationship between Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density of Female Workers in A Unit of Tai’an. Comput. Math. Methods Med. 2022, 2022, 1011768. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  15. Buttros, D.d.A.B.; Nahas-Neto, J.; Nahas, E.A.P.; Cangussu, L.M.; Barral, A.B.C.R.; Kawakami, M.S. Fatores de Risco Para Osteoporose Em Mulheres Na Pós-Menopausa Do Sudeste Brasileiro. Rev. Bras. Ginecol. Obstet. 2011, 33, 295–302. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  16. Bliuc, D. Mortality Risk Associated With Low-Trauma Osteoporotic Fracture and Subsequent Fracture in Men and Women. JAMA 2009, 301, 513. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  17. Lane, N.E. Epidemiology, Etiology, and Diagnosis of Osteoporosis. Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 2006, 194, S3–S11. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. Johnell, O.; Kanis, J.A. An Estimate of the Worldwide Prevalence and Disability Associated with Osteoporotic Fractures. Osteoporos. Int. 2006, 17, 1726–1733. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  19. HCS Health Report 2019. Available online: https://www.ksh.hu/docs/hun/xftp/idoszaki/pdf/egeszsegugyi_helyzetkep_2019.pdf (accessed on 31 January 2023).
  20. Li, C.; Sun, J.; Yu, L. Diagnostic Value of Calcaneal Quantitative Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Osteoporosis in Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients. Medicine 2022, 101, e28325. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  21. Antal, M.; Regöly-Mérei, A.; Biró, L.; Nagy, K.; Fülöp, J.; Beretvás, E.; Gyömörei, E.; Kis, O.; Vámos, A. Nutrition, Life-Style Practice, Serum Vitamin D Concentration and Bone Density in Hungarian Adolescents. Acta Aliment. 2006, 35, 53–61. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  22. Rurik, I.; Apor, P.; Barna, M.; Barna, I.; Bedros, J.R.; Kempler, P.; Martos, É.; Mohos, E.; Pavlik, G.; Pados, G.; et al. Az Elhízás Kezelése És Megelőzése: Táplálkozás, Testmozgás, Orvosi Lehetőségek: Hazai Szakmaközi Ajánlás. Orv. Hetil. 2021, 162, 323–335. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  23. Erdei, G.; Kovács, V.A.; Bakacs, M.; Martos, É. Országos Táplálkozás és Tápláltsági Állapot Vizsgálat 2014. I. A Magy. Felnőtt Lakosság Tápláltsági Állapota Orv. Hetil. 2017, 158, 533–540. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  24. Scope 21 Epidemiology, Burden, and Treatment of Osteoporosis in Hungary. Available online: https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/sites/iofbonehealth/files/scope-2021/Hungary%20report.pdf (accessed on 27 May 2023).
  25. Correa-Rodríguez, M.; Rio-Valle, J.S.; González-Jiménez, E.; Rueda-Medina, B. The Effects of Body Composition, Dietary Intake, and Physical Activity on Calcaneus Quantitative Ultrasound in Spanish Young Adults. Biol. Res. Nurs. 2016, 18, 439–444. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  26. Jafri, L.; Majid, H.; Ahmed, S.; Naureen, G.; Khan, A.H. Calcaneal Ultrasound and Its Relation to Dietary and Lifestyle Factors, Anthropometry, and Vitamin D Deficiency in Young Medical Students. Front. Endocrinol. 2021, 11, 601562. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  27. Hsu, Y.-H.; Venners, S.A.; Terwedow, H.A.; Feng, Y.; Niu, T.; Li, Z.; Laird, N.; Brain, J.D.; Cummings, S.R.; Bouxsein, M.L.; et al. Relation of Body Composition, Fat Mass, and Serum Lipids to Osteoporotic Fractures and Bone Mineral Density in Chinese Men and Women. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2006, 83, 146–154. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  28. Reid, I.R.; Plank, L.D.; Evans, M.C. Fat Mass Is an Important Determinant of Whole Body Bone Density in Premenopausal Women but Not in Men. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 1992, 75, 779–782. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  29. Andreoli, A.; Bazzocchi, A.; Celi, M.; Lauro, D.; Sorge, R.; Tarantino, U.; Guglielmi, G. Relationship between Body Composition, Body Mass Index and Bone Mineral Density in a Large Population of Normal, Osteopenic and Osteoporotic Women. Radiol. Med. 2011, 116, 1115–1123. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  30. Pluijm, S.M.F.; Visser, M.; Smit, J.H.; Popp-Snijders, C.; Roos, J.C.; Lips, P. Determinants of Bone Mineral Density in Older Men and Women: Body Composition as Mediator. J. Bone Miner. Res. 2001, 16, 2142–2151. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  31. Manitoba Bone Density Program; Morin, S.; Leslie, W.D. High Bone Mineral Density Is Associated with High Body Mass Index. Osteoporos. Int. 2009, 20, 1267–1271. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  32. Al-Gorani, A.; Al-Jubbori, M.A. The Assessment of the Bone Quality with Low Back Pain. J. Educ. Sci. 2022, 31, 1–16. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  33. Gjesdal, C.G.; Halse, J.I.; Eide, G.E.; Brun, J.G.; Tell, G.S. Impact of Lean Mass and Fat Mass on Bone Mineral Density: The Hordaland Health Study. Maturitas 2008, 59, 191–200. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  34. Jiang, Y.; Zhang, Y.; Jin, M.; Gu, Z.; Pei, Y.; Meng, P. Aged-Related Changes in Body Composition and Association between Body Composition with Bone Mass Density by Body Mass Index in Chinese Han Men over 50-Year-Old. PLoS ONE 2015, 10, e0130400. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  35. Breitenbach, Z.; Raposa, B.; Szabó, Z.; Polyák, É.; Szűcs, Z.; Kubányi, J.; Figler, M. Examination of Hungarian College Students’ Eating Habits, Physical Activity and Body Composition. Eur. J. Integr. Med. 2016, 8, 13–17. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  36. Photiou, A.; Anning, J.H.; Mészáros, J.; Vajda, I.; Mészáros, Z.; Sziva, Á.; Prókai, A.; Ng, N. Lifestyle, Body Composition, and Physical Fitness Changes in Hungarian School Boys (1975–2005). Res. Q. Exerc. Sport 2008, 79, 166–173. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  37. Can, S.; Gündüz, N.; Arslan, E.; Biernat, E.; Ersöz, G.; Kilit, B. Multi-Instrument Assessment of Physical Activity in Female Office Workers. Int. J. Occup. Med. Environ. Health 2016, 29, 937–945. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  38. Cho, S.-J.; Chung, Y.K.; Kim, J.-M.; Chu, M.K. Migraine and Restless Legs Syndrome Are Associated in Adults under Age Fifty but Not in Adults over Fifty: A Population-Based Study. J. Headache Pain 2015, 16, 75. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  39. Coin, A.; Giannini, S.; Minicuci, N.; Rinaldi, G.; Pedrazzoni, M.; Minisola, S.; Rossini, M.; Del Puente, A.; Inelmen, E.M.; Manzato, E.; et al. Limb Fat-Free Mass and Fat Mass Reference Values by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) in a 20–80 Year-Old Italian Population. Clin. Nutr. 2012, 31, 506–511. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  40. Yusuf, S.; Hawken, S.; Ôunpuu, S.; Dans, T.; Avezum, A.; Lanas, F.; McQueen, M.; Budaj, A.; Pais, P.; Varigos, J.; et al. Effect of Potentially Modifiable Risk Factors Associated with Myocardial Infarction in 52 Countries (the INTERHEART Study): Case-Control Study. Lancet 2004, 364, 937–952. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  41. Klein, S.; Romijn, J.A. Obesity. In Williams Textbook of Endocrinology; Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2016; pp. 1633–1659. ISBN 978-0-323-29738-7. [Google Scholar]
  42. Ojha, S.; Budge, H.; Symonds, M.E. Adipocytes in Normal Tissue Biology. In Pathobiology of Human Disease; Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2014; pp. 2003–2013. ISBN 978-0-12-386457-4. [Google Scholar]
  43. Inbody. Inbody 230 User Manual. Available online: https://inbodyusa.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/360017988251/InBody230_User_sManual.pdf (accessed on 31 January 2023).
  44. Scheffler, C.; Gniosdorz, B.; Staub, K.; Rühli, F. Skeletal Robustness and Bone Strength as Measured by Anthropometry and Ultrasonography as a Function of Physical Activity in Young Adults: Skeletal Robustness and Bone Strength in Young Adults. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2014, 26, 215–220. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  45. Han, C.-S.; Kim, H.-K.; Kim, S. Effects of Adolescents’ Lifestyle Habits and Body Composition on Bone Mineral Density. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 6170. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  46. OsteoSys SONOST 3000 User Manual. Available online: https://www.gimaitaly.com/DocumentiGIMA/Manuali/EN/M33996EN.pdf (accessed on 31 January 2023).
  47. Hashmi, F.R.; Elfandi, K.O. Heel Ultrasound Scan in Detecting Osteoporosis in Low Trauma Fracture Patients. Orthop. Rev. 2016, 8. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  48. WHO. Assessment of Osteoporosis at the Primary Health Care Level. Available online: https://frax.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/pdfs/WHO_Technical_Report.pdf (accessed on 31 January 2023).
  49. Jura, M.; Kozak, L.P. Obesity and Related Consequences to Ageing. AGE 2016, 38, 23. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  50. Wilkinson, D.J.; Piasecki, M.; Atherton, P.J. The Age-Related Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass and Function: Measurement and Physiology of Muscle Fibre Atrophy and Muscle Fibre Loss in Humans. Ageing Res. Rev. 2018, 47, 123–132. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  51. Stathopoulos, K.; Zoubos, A.; Papaioannou, D.; Mastrokalos, D.; Galanos, A.; Papagelopoulos, P.; Skarantavos, G. Differences of Bone Mineral Mass, Volumetric Bone Mineral Density, Geometrical and Structural Parameters and Derived Strength of the Tibia between Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women of Different Age Groups: A Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (PQCT) Study. J. Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact 2016, 16, 113–121. [Google Scholar]
  52. Lazzer, S.; Bedogni, G.; Lafortuna, C.L.; Marazzi, N.; Busti, C.; Galli, R.; de Col, A.; Agosti, F.; Sartorio, A. Relationship Between Basal Metabolic Rate, Gender, Age, and Body Composition in 8780 White Obese Subjects. Obesity 2010, 18, 71–78. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  53. Wang, Y.; Tao, Y.; Hyman, M.E.; Li, J.; Chen, Y. Osteoporosis in China. Osteoporos. Int. 2009, 20, 1651–1662. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  54. Zhao, L.-J.; Liu, Y.-J.; Liu, P.-Y.; Hamilton, J.; Recker, R.R.; Deng, H.-W. Relationship of Obesity with Osteoporosis. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 2007, 92, 1640–1646. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  55. Zhao, L.-J.; Jiang, H.; Papasian, C.J.; Maulik, D.; Drees, B.; Hamilton, J.; Deng, H.-W. Correlation of Obesity and Osteoporosis: Effect of Fat Mass on the Determination of Osteoporosis. J. Bone Miner. Res. 2007, 23, 17–29. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  56. Blum, M.; Harris, S.S.; Must, A.; Naumova, E.N.; Phillips, S.M.; Rand, W.M.; Dawson-Hughes, B. Leptin, Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density in Premenopausal Women. Calcif. Tissue Int. 2003, 73, 27–32. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  57. Radak, T.L. Effect of Caloric Restriction on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Turnover in Over Weight and Obese Individuals with Differing Calcium Intake Levels. Ph.D. Thesis, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA, 2004. [Google Scholar]
  58. Griffith, J.F.; Engelke, K.; Genant, H.K. Looking beyond Bone Mineral Density: Imaging Assessment of Bone Quality. Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 2010, 1192, 45–56. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  59. Choi, J.W.; Pai, S.H. Bone Mineral Density Correlates Strongly with Basal Metabolic Rate in Postmenopausal Women. Clin. Chim. Acta 2003, 333, 79–84. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  60. Tardi, P.; Ács, P.; Makai, A.; Hock, M.; Járomi, M. Egy Csontritkulás-Specifikus Kérdőív Magyar Nyelvű Adaptációja És Validálása. Orv. Hetil. 2023, 164, 29–37. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Table 1. Description of measured variables of body composition.
Table 1. Description of measured variables of body composition.
VariableDefinition
Abdominal Obesity Degree (W/H)The abdominal Obesity Degree is the ratio of waist and hip circumference. Abdominal obesity is diagnosed in cases of over 0.90 for males and 0.85 for females.
Basal Metabolic Rate (Kcal)The Basal Metabolic Rate is the minimum energy requirement that the body needed to sustain vital functions while at rest.
Body Fat Mass (Kg)Body fat mass refers to the amount of fat in the body. Body Fat Mass is the sum of subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, and fat surrounding muscles.
Body Mass Index (Kg/m2)Body mass index is a measure of body fat based on an individual’s weight and height. It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms (kg) by their height in meters squared (m²).
Bone Mineral Content (Kg)Bone Mineral Content is the weight of minerals in bone.
Fat Free Mass (Kg-BFM)Fat Free Mass is the weight of everything except body fat. This includes muscle, water, bones, organs—everything that is not body fat.
Mineral Mass (Kg)Minerals refer to the total amount of inorganic minerals that are dissolved in bone and body fluids that represent osseous and non-osseous minerals, respectively.
Obesity Degree (%)Obesity Degree is the ratio of current weight to ideal weight. Obesity Degree = (current weight/standard weight by height) × 100.
Percent Body Fat (%)Percent body fat is a measure of the amount of fat in the body as a percentage of total body weight. It is calculated by dividing the weight of body fat by the total body weight and multiplying it by 100.
Skeletal Lean Mass (Kg)Skeletal lean mass refers to the lean muscle and bone tissue found in the skeleton. It is the total amount of muscle, bone, and connective tissue in the body that is not composed of fat.
Skeletal Muscle Mass (Kg)Skeletal muscle mass, which generally indicates the lean body mass of each arm and leg.
Visceral Fat Area (cm²)Visceral Fat Area is the estimated area of fat surrounding internal organs in the abdomen. A Visceral Fat Area under 100cm² is the healthy range.
Table 2. Age related differences on Body Composition and Bone Density.
Table 2. Age related differences on Body Composition and Bone Density.
18–29 (M, SD)
n = 50
30–39 (M, SD)
n = 88
40–49 (M, SD)
n = 104
50+ (M, SD)
n = 74
Fη2p Value
Abdominal Obesity Degree (W/H)0.88 (0.06)0.90 (0.07)0.92 (0.06)0.93 (0.06)5.960.050.001
Basal Metabolic Rate (Kcal)1342.56 (151.75)1359.86 (126.12)1375.85 (137.63)1363.41 (138.18)0.620.010.634
Body Fat Mass (Kg)20.93 (9.26)23.46 (10.88)25.72 (10.82)29.42 (12.13)7.130.070.001
Body Mass Index (Kg/m2)23.82 (4.69)25.05 (5.23)26.70 (5.52)28.31 (6.21)8.440.080.001
Bone Mineral Content (Kg)2.69 (0.43)2.70 (0.34)2.72 (0.37)2.66 (0.35)0.460.000.725
Bone Quality Index87.76 (17.48)83.56 (15.08)81.04 (15.83)76.95 (15.25)4.860.040.016
Fat Free Mass (Kg-BFM)45.02 (7.03)45.83 (5.83)46.57 (6.37)45.99 (6.41)0.620.010.634
Mineral Mass (Kg)3.23 (0.52)3.25 (0.41)3.28 (0.45)3.21 (0.42)0.410.000.771
Obesity Degree (%)110.78 (21.82)116.54 (24.32)124.14 (25.68)131.72 (28.89)8.430.080.001
Percent Body Fat (%)30.64 (7.26))32.42 (8.29)34.40 (7.67)37.65 (7.96)9.840.090.001
Skeletal Lean Mass (Kg)42.33 (6.61)43.12 (5.50)43.85 (6.02)43.33 (6.09)0.670.010.597
Skeletal Muscle Mass (Kg)24.63 (4.21)25.11 (3.50)25.56 (3.82)25.16 (3.82)0.630.010.633
t-score −0.93 (0.94)−1.15 (0.81)−1.24 (0.79)−1.51 (0.82)148.710.040.019
Visceral Fat Area (cm²)87.46 (35.80)97.97 (41.83)110.12 (39.04)126.32 (41.11)11.860.100.001
Table 3. Correlation analysis of Body Composition, Age, and Bone Quality Index.
Table 3. Correlation analysis of Body Composition, Age, and Bone Quality Index.
AgeBone Quality Indext-Score
Abdominal Obesity Degree (W/H)0.22 (p = 0.001)0.03 (p = 0.506)0.04 (p = 0.452)
Basal Metabolic Rate (Kcal)0.06 (p = 0.259)0.18 (p = 0.002)0.20 (p = 0.001)
Body Fat Mass (Kg)0.30 (p = 0.001)0.14 (p = 0.016)0.14 (p = 0.014)
Body Mass Index (Kg/m2)0.31 (p = 0.001)0.15 (p = 0.007)0.16 (p = 0.004)
Bone Mineral Content (Kg)−0.02 (p = 0.725)0.17 (p = 0.004)0.19 (p = 0.001)
Fat Free Mass (Kg-BFM)0.06 (p = 0.260)0.18 (p = 0.002)0.20 (p = 0.001)
Mineral Mass (Kg)0.01 (p = 0.918)0.17 (p = 0.03)0.19 (p = 0.001)
Obesity Degree (%)0.32 (p = 0.001)0.15 (p = 0.007)0.16 (p = 0.004)
Percent Body Fat (%)0.33 (p = 0.001)0.08 (p = 0.166)0.08 (p = 0.172)
Skeletal Lean Mass (Kg)0.07 (p = 0.223)0.18 (p = 0.002)0.20 (p = 0.001)
Skeletal Muscle Mass (Kg)0.06 (p = 0.294)0.18 (p = 0.001)0.20 (p = 0.001)
Visceral Fat Area (cm²)0.22 (p = 0.001)0.09 (p = 0.098)0.10 (p = 0.087)
Table 4. Body Composition differences between normal and osteopenia bone quality.
Table 4. Body Composition differences between normal and osteopenia bone quality.
Normal (M, SD)
n = 190
Osteopenia (M, SD)
n = 126
t-ValueCohen’s dp Value
Abdominal Obesity Degree (W/H)0.92 (0.07)0.91 (0.07)1.140.120.315
Basal Metabolic Rate (Kcal)1378.34 (148.19)1344.60 (115.60)2.130.250.034
Body Fat Mass (Kg)25.96 (11.71)24.05 (10.45)1.480.180.131
Body Mass Index (Kg/m2)26.58 (5.86)25.53 (5.36)1.620.200.089
Bone Mineral Content (Kg)2.73 (0.40)2.65 (0.32)2.090.240.038
Fat Free Mass (Kg-BFM)46.55 (6.86)45.12 (5.36)2.130.250.034
Mineral Mass (Kg)3.29 (0.47)3.19 (0.38)2.120.250.035
Obesity Degree (%)123.63 (27.26)118.75 (24.93)1.610.200.091
Percent Body Fat (%)34.39 (8.15)33.44 (8.21)1.010.110.339
Skeletal Lean Mass (Kg)43.82 (6.49)42.47 (5.06)2.130.250.034
Skeletal Muscle Mass (Kg)25.54 (4.12)24.64 (3.19)2.180.250.030
Visceral Fat Area (cm²)109.19 (42.09)103.19 (41.23)1.960.150.210
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Vári, B.; Győri, F.; Katona, Z.; Berki, T. The Impact of Age and Body Composition on Bone Density among Office Worker Women in Hungary. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 5976. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20115976

AMA Style

Vári B, Győri F, Katona Z, Berki T. The Impact of Age and Body Composition on Bone Density among Office Worker Women in Hungary. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023; 20(11):5976. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20115976

Chicago/Turabian Style

Vári, Beáta, Ferenc Győri, Zoltán Katona, and Tamás Berki. 2023. "The Impact of Age and Body Composition on Bone Density among Office Worker Women in Hungary" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 20, no. 11: 5976. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20115976

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop