“But, I Don’t Want To Get Fat”

“But, I don’t want to get fat” was the constant refrain of a patient who consistantly lost weight, lost muscle mass, and fractured again.  Despite urging bordering on harassment, from her friends, she avoided meats and other proteins, most vegetables, fiber, and starches.  She often found room for desserts.

Her muscles were so weak that she had trouble rising from a chair.  Her walk had become a slow shuffle.  Her skin became tissue-paper thin.  Her Body Mass Index (BMI) had fallen far into the danger zone of below 19.  It is possible to be Too Thin.  Persons with a BMI below 19 are at increased Fracture Risk, and increased Risk of Death From All Causes.

Above the age of 65, persons with a BMI of 25 to 30 have the longest life expectancy.  A BMI of 22 to 25 is second best, closely followed by 30 to 35.  A BMI of 19 to 22 and 35 to 40 carry similar risks of Death From All Causes.  This meta-analysis was published in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on 2 Jan 2013.  The ideal range looks to be between 22 and 33.  The lowest Fracture Risk at all ages is between 25 and 30.

You need to eat enough to maintain muscle, skin, internal organs, and bone.  This means a diet of Protein, Calcium, Vitamin D3, other Vitamins and Minerals, fiber, and enough calories.  Adequate nutrition is absolutely necessary for good health, including Bone Health.  Sometimes that is all that is needed.

Get enough nutrition.  Maintain a healthy weight (BMI 22 to 33).  Take Control Naturally.

Jay Ginther, MD

Categorised in: Bone Health, Nutrition, Take Control Naturally