Elderly individuals who have experienced a significant weight loss have a higher risk of hip fracture, according to a study conducted by the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. The study was conducted using data from the Singapore Chinese Health Study and found that for middle-aged to elderly individuals, a weight loss of more than 10% was associated with a 56% higher hip fracture risk as compared to adults with a stable weight. When accounting for factors such as health conditions and Body Mass Index (BMI), it was found that those who had experienced a weight loss of more than 10% had a 39% greater hip fracture risk.
“The results of this study suggest that doctors should be alert to the need to identify and manage the risk in patients who have experienced substantial weight loss. Hip fractures are a major cause of disability and premature death in seniors, and it is therefore important that preventive action be taken in patients who are at high risk,” said the study’s lead author, Dr Zhaoli Dai.
The findings were part of a research paper presented at the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) Regionals Asia-Pacific Osteoporosis Meeting in Taipei.
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