Adipopenia is associated with osteoporosis in community-dwelling non-underweight adults independent of sarcopenia

Summary The effect of fat deficit on bone metabolism is understudied. This study showed that low body fat percent (adipopenia) in non-underweight community adults was associated with elevated odds of osteoporosis independent of low lean mass, highlighting potential clinical importance of adipopenia as an osteoporosis risk factor particularly in older adults. Purpose Although underweight is risk factor for osteoporosis, the association of low body fat percent (adipopenia) with osteoporosis in non-underweight adults remains unclear. Methods Among individuals aged ≥ 50 years with body mass index ≥ 18.5 kg/m 2 in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2011, appendicular lean mass (ALM) and body fat percent (BFP) were measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Low lean mass was defined as ALM/height 2