INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone mineral density (BMD), increased fragility and proneness to fractures. Low body mass index (BMI) is one of risk factors with large influence in development of osteoporosis. AIM: to establish importance of the body mass index in development of osteoporosis. METERIAL AND METHOD: Prospective study was done in the Special Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Novi Sad, encompassing 1323 patients of both genders, with average age of 64 years. All patients had their mineral bone density measured at the lumbar spine and at the hip. Results of osteodensitometry findings were interpreted according to the valid definition of osteoporosis. Body height and body weight were measured in all patients, and their body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Connection between BMD and BMI was examined. All data were entered in the Bonlink database. For statistical data analysis, descriptive statistics, central tendency measures and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used. RESULTS: Females have been the majority among subjects (96%). Regarding BMI of patients, 43%were overweight, 20% obese, 35% normal weight and 2% underweight. Most patients had their T score of the hip and of the spine at the osteopenia level (66% and 61%, respectively). Correlation between observed parameters of T score and BMI is positive, showing statistical connection at the p<0,01 level. CONCLUSION: Subjects with lower body weight have lower bone mineral density, which puts low body weight among important risk factors for development of osteoporosis.
