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Extra Fat Builds Strong Bones in Girls

Not exactly something a weight obsessed teenage girl wants to here.

But new research suggests carrying extra fat mass may help adolescent girls build bone mass, and protect against osteoporosis later in life.

Writing in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, scientists found fat mass increased cortical bone mass in girls 70% more than it did in boys of the same age; 15 years old.

Cortical bone mass is the outer coating of bone.

It still might not be a good idea for young girls to pack on the pounds, but the researchers say excessive reduction of fat mass may harm girls’ skeletons, and possibly heighten their risk of osteoporosis—kind of a catch-22.

Via HealthDay News.

Image credit: Business Week

Posted in Nutrition & Health