Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in Teens May Impair Bone Development: Study Suggests
Obesity and type 2 diabetes during adolescence can impair bone development, potentially increasing long-term risk for fractures and osteoporosis, according to a study presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco.
The teenage years are a crucial period for building strong, healthy bones that can last a lifetime. However, new research suggests that early-onset metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes may disrupt this essential process.
To explore this, researchers followed 48 adolescents, including 26 girls, with an average age of 15.5 years, over the course of a year. Among the participants, 27% had normal weight, 31% were overweight with normal blood sugar levels, and 42% had overweight with impaired blood sugar regulation, including prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Researchers assessed participants’ body fat, physical fitness, blood sugar, and insulin levels. They also evaluated bone strength and structure in the lower leg (tibia) and forearm (radius) using high-resolution imaging techniques.
The study revealed that teenagers with obesity and especially those with type 2 diabetes experienced significantly less improvement in bone strength and quality over time compared to their normal-weight peers. This deficit was observed in both leg and arm bones. Additionally, elevated insulin levels, indicative of insulin resistance, were associated with reduced bone development. Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, often preceding type 2 diabetes.
“Obesity and early type 2 diabetes in adolescence don’t just affect weight or blood sugar they can quietly interfere with bone development during the most critical years for building lifelong bone strength,” said lead researcher Fida Bacha, M.D., of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. “That means teens with these health issues may face a greater risk of fractures and osteoporosis as they get older.”
These findings highlight the need for early prevention and monitoring strategies to support both metabolic and bone health in adolescents.
Reference: https://www.endocrine.org/
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