Obesity and type 2 diabetes in teen years can impair bone health: Study

The researchers followed 48 teenagers for a year, including 26 girls, with an average age of 15.5 years. Of these, 27% had normal weight, 31% were classified overweight with normal blood sugar, and 42% had overweight with impaired blood sugar control, including prediabetes (4 teens) or type 2 diabetes (16 teens).

The researchers measured the teens’ body fat, fitness, blood sugar and insulin levels. Their bone structure and strength in the lower leg (tibia) and forearm (radius) was measured using high-resolution imaging.

The study found that teens with obesity, and especially those with type 2 diabetes, showed less improvement in bone strength and quality over time compared to their peers who were of normal weight. This was true for both the leg and arm bones. Higher insulin levels (a sign of insulin resistance) seemed to contribute to less increase in bone strength. Insulin resistance is a condition where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of 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,” Bacha said. “That means teens with these health issues may face a greater risk of fractures and osteoporosis as they get older.”

Reference:

Obesity and type 2 diabetes in teen years can impair bone health, The Endocrine Society, Meeting: ENDO 2025