By MICHELLE HERBISON
MEN’S bones and muscles are weakening as obesity levels rise, according to Geelong research.
The lead investigator of the Deakin University study, Professor Julie Pasco, said her School of Medicine research team found increases of 1.2 per cent in body mass index and nine per cent in body fat while muscle and bone mass decreased .9 per cent and 1.6 per cent respectively in local men between 2001 and 2006.
The team took measurements from 1329 Geelong region men aged 25 to 96.
“Obesity is bad enough as it increases the risk for diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, we are now seeing that the musculoskeletal system could be affected too,” Prof Pasco said.
Prof Pasco said fat infiltrated muscles in obese people with low muscle mass, weakening strength and performance.
“During ageing, bone loss leads to osteoporosis and muscle loss leads to a condition known as sarcopenia, which makes people physically weak, less mobile and more dependent,” she said.
The findings form part of a Geelong Osteoporosis Study monitoring the health status of residents of more than 20 years.
