Can a bone drug help women with anorexia? small study hints at hope
NCT ID NCT03292146
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether denosumab, a drug used for osteoporosis, can improve bone density in women with anorexia nervosa. Thirty women received either denosumab or placebo injections over 12 months, with an optional year of alendronate. The goal was to see if bone density and structure improved, offering a potential new option for bone loss in this group.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Denosumab (Prolia) injection
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a treatment for bone loss in women with anorexia nervosa, potentially reducing fracture risk.
What could go wrong
This is a small pilot study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment also requires ongoing monitoring and may have side effects like infection risk.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States