Objectıve: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and bone mineral density (BMD).

Materıals - Methods: 222 postmenopausal women were included in the study. The ages and durations of menopause were recorded. Body weights and heights were measured and body mass indexes were calculated. Bone mineral density of lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femur (neck and total) were measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

Results: The ages of the cases ranged between 46 and 81 years of age, with a mean of 59,91±7,43; durations of menopause ranged between 1 and 45 years, with a mean of 14,15±8,90 years; BMIs ranged between 19.09 kg/mÇ and 45.13 kg/m2, with a mean of 28,71±4,66 kg/m2. 22.5% (n=50), 43.7% (n=97) and 33.8% (n=75) of the cases were found to be of ideal weight, overweight and obese based on BMIs, respectively. Bone mineral densities in lumbar spine (L1-L4) ranged between 0.47 and1. 08 g/cm2, with a mean of 0.75±0.09 g/cm2; in the femoral neck between 0.37 and 1.09 g/cm2, with a mean of 0.66±0.11 g/cm2; in total femur between 0.52 and 1.09 g/cm2, with a mean of 0.78±0.11 g/cm2. 73% (n=162), 24,8% (n=55) and 2,3% (n=5) of the cases had osteoporotic, osteopenic and normal bone mineral density values, respectively. After adjustment for age and duration of menopause, a positive and significant relationship was detected between BMI, lumbar spine BMD and t scores (r:0.281, p:0.001, r:0.281, p:0.001,in respective order); femoral neck BMD and t scores (r:0.288,p:0.001, r:0.304, p:0.001); total femoral BMD and t scores (r:0.422, p:0.001, r:0.416, p:0.001).

Conclusıon: There is a significant relationship between body mass index and bone mineral density in lumbar spine and femur. This result leads to the suggestion that body weight is a protective factor from osteoporosis.