The role of proper food habit and physical activity level in preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal iranian women

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the role of dietary components and physical activities in the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. In this cross-sectional study, 58 volunteer postmenopausal women participated and filled personal information, physical activity assessment and food frequency questionnaires. Anthropomط£آ©trie measurements and bone measurements were undertaken by experts. Of all 58 cases, 18 were normal, 22 were osteopenic and 18 were osteoporotic. Most of osteoporotic women had low physical activities and low calcium intakes. The mean intake of leafy green vegetables, dairy product, fish and egg in normal women was significantly higher than osteoporotic ones. Most of educated women were normal while the majority of osteoporotic women had only studied in primary school (33.3%). The correlation of dietary intakes and physical activity level with BMD (Bone Mineral Density) indicates that osteoporosis is preventable, so Iranian women's awareness of osteoporosis and its affordable precautions must be increased to help them to prevent the disease.