This article is from the Big Folks Health FAQ, by sharon@ecs.ox.ac.uk (Sharon Curtis) with numerous contributions by others.
Osteoporosis is a disease weakening the structure of the bones, and is
usually throughout the skeleton (though some bones may weaken faster
than others). Bone minerals are gradually lost and the bones turn
brittle.
Dieting and improper nutrition during fitness training are positively
correlated to osteoporosis (that is, people who diet are more likely
to get it). Obesity is negatively correlated to osteoporosis;
it is thought to be attributed to both mechanical factors (the
weight-bearing helps strengthen the bones) and the estrogen from fat.
See [RTP].
 
Continue to: