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A 20-year-old male asked:
Does malnutrition and anorexia shrink or make bones smaller weaker inclunding the skull and ,can sleep deprived also have impact on bones?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Krulakanswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Bones & nutrition: Malnutrition from any cause, including anorexia, can certainly lead to bone weakness. This effect is strongest in children and adolescents, but still is present in adults. It can lead to a loss of bone mineral density and breakdown of bone structure.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Lauren Romeoanswered
Wound Care 21 years experience
Bone loss.: Poor nutrition can certainly effect bone and can cause bone to degrade it's called osteopenia. If you are anorexic and not eating calcium rich foods the loss will happen faster. A lot of people restrict dairy when dieting.
Sleep disturbances can disrupt your digestion and may cause malnutrition over long time periods, if not treated.
A bone scan can be helpful to start with.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Gaboranswered
Diagnostic Radiology 35 years experience
Malnutrition and/or: anorexia doesn't necessarily shrink the bones, but it can cause a loss of bone density, which weakens the bones and makes them susceptible to fractures. Sleep disorders like apnea may also increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 9, 2014
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