Associated symptoms
Osteoporosis and underweight can cause various other accompanying symptoms. Osteoporosis itself is associated with an increased risk of bone fractures, as well as a decrease in height and often back pain. Calcium deficiency in malnutrition often leads to: In older people, osteoporosis and underweight are often accompanied by muscle atrophy. The reason for this is reduced movement due to increasing frailty and instability when walking.
- Muscle cramps
- Brittle hair and nails
- Dry skin
- Digestive disorders
- A pronounced lassitude
Therapy of osteoporosis in underweight
The treatment of osteoporosis and underweight depends on the severity of the disease. The basis of the therapy should always include a balanced diet, the intake of vitamins and sufficient exercise. It is important that the diet does not contain certain minerals.
It is advisable to avoid certain foods, such as soft drinks or ready-made meals, which lead to increased calcium being released from the bones and less calcium being absorbed. The quantity of food also has a decisive influence on the development of body weight. Vitamin D also plays an important role for the bones.
Just 15 minutes of sunlight per day can prevent a deficiency of vitamin D, since sunlight is needed to produce vitamin D in the body. Sufficient exercise is also very important, as building and strengthening muscles supports and stabilizes the bones in the body.Depending on the reason for the development of underweight, nutritional therapy should be considered. In the case of a pronounced form of chronic underweight, various types of artificial nutrition are available. Depending on the severity of osteoporosis, various drugs can be used. These include, for example, the so-called bisphosphonates, which counteract bone resorption.
Prognosis of osteoporosis in underweight
Osteoporosis and underweight can have different prognoses depending on the severity of the disease. As a rule, both diseases can be effectively counteracted if detected in time. Sufficient exercise and a balanced diet can strengthen the body and stabilize the bones. However, complications such as bone fractures can also occur if the disease is diagnosed at a late stage.