Obese men with a large volume of abdominal fat face a significantly greater risk of losing bone density and strength than other men. Although osteoporosis is known as a disease that mainly affects women, scientists have discovered that visceral fat, located deep under the muscles of the abdominal wall, is directly related to the weakening of the bone structure in men. A joint study on the matter carried out by Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that men suffering from this form of obesity are at greater risk not only of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but also of osteoporosis. In the course of the study, it was found that men with a body mass index (BMI) above 36.5 have a significant decrease in the activity of osteoblasts – the cells that form bone tissue. At the same time, changes in the activity of osteoclasts (cells destroying bone tissue) were not observed. The study also found, regardless of body mass index, that obese men with more abdominal visceral fat had lower bone density and strength than obese men with less visceral fat. NEWS_MORE_BOX Multiple health factors such as alcohol and smoking, kidney disease, chemotherapy, glucocorticosteroids and lack of sufficient physical activity further aggravate the condition. Men with an abundance of abdominal fat are much more prone to fractures of the spine, arm bones, and hip joint. To prevent fractures and worsening of the condition, in addition to a strict diet and sports regimen, it is recommended to give up harmful habits, care for adequate levels of vitamins C and D, as well as sex and parathyroid hormones. Increasing calcium intake is not recommended, unless prescribed by a doctor, because it can increase the risk of myocardial infarction, development of kidney stones and digestive problems.