The Apple: A Healthy Altternative (© Photographer: Shane White | Agency: Dreamstime.com)

Already linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and a host of other health conditions, a recent study has found that obesity also contributes to poor bone health. Another new study has found indications that obesity makes the body more vulnerable to the bacteria that may cause periodontal disease.

According to an article in Food Navigator, a new study found that the bones of people with high body fat were eight to nine percent weaker than those of normal body fat participants.

The study was published in the November issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Co-author Richard Lewis, professor of foods and nutrition at the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences said the explanation may be that fat cell production is favored over bone cell production in obese people. He went on to say that childhood obesity could lead to “significant, long lasting negative impact on the skeleton.”

The report in Food Navigator says, “Obesity is currently thought to affect more than 64 percent of the U.S.'s adult population and 16 percent of children.”

BBC News has published an article on research by Boston University scientists reporting that fat mice had a "blunted" immune system, leaving them vulnerable to bacteria causing periodontal disease. "The rise in obesity may be going hand-in-hand with increases in severe gum disease."

The BBC News article quotes the researchers of Boston Uiniversity:

The importance of the current findings is underscored by the facts that millions of people worldwide are affected by this infection every year and the universal prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions.

The article also states that, "Links between gum disease and other more serious illnesses continue to emerge...There have even been suggestions of a relationship between gum disease and heart disease risk."

As many as 40% of adults worldwide have periodontal disease.

If you’d like to read the Food Navigator article go to: Obesity linked to bad bones, study

If you'd like to read the BBC News article cited above go to: Obesity 'raises gum disease risk'