WHO'S LIKELY TO GET WEAK BONES?

WHO'S AT RISK FOR WEAK BONES

from the article "Is Exercise Weakening Your Bones?"
By the Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center
Published January 24, 2011

Who’s at risk for these problems?

Girls and women who engage in rigorous exercise regimens or who try to lose weight by restricting their eating are at risk for these health problems. They may include serious athletes, “gym rats” (who spend considerable time and energy working out), and girls and women who believe “you can never be too thin.”

How can I tell if someone I know, train with, or coach may be at risk for bone loss, fracture, and other health problems?
Here are some signs to look for:

* Missed or irregular menstrual periods

* Extreme or “unhealthy-looking” thinness

* Extreme or rapid weight loss

* Behaviors that reflect frequent dieting, such as eating very little, not eating in front of others, trips to the bathroom following meals, preoccupation with thinness or weight, focus on low-calorie and diet foods, possible increase in the consumption of water and other no- and low-calorie foods and beverages, possible increase in gum chewing, limiting diet to one food group, or eliminating a food group

* Frequent intense bouts of exercise (e.g., taking an aerobics class, then running 5 miles, then swimming for an hour, followed by weight-lifting)

* An “I can’t miss a day of exercise/practice” attitude

* An overly anxious preoccupation with an injury

* Exercising despite illness, inclement weather, injury and other conditions that might lead someone else to take the day off

* An unusual amount of self-criticism or self-dissatisfaction

* Indications of significant psychological or physical stress, including depression, anxiety or nervousness, inability to concentrate, low levels of self-esteem, feeling cold all the time, problems sleeping, fatigue, injuries, and constantly talking about weight

MY THOUGHTS

4-5 hours of exercise seem to be overboard, right? our bones will definitely crack, especially if there's not enough healthy bone food to mend the bones.