Anne Winther

Anne Winther is a researcher at UiT The Arctic University of Norway's Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Community Medicine, specializing in adolescent bone health through the Tromsø Study: Fit Futures. Her research examines bone development trajectories from adolescence to young adulthood, with particular focus on lifestyle factors, body composition, and early life determinants of skeletal health.

Her primary research interests include:

• Bone mineral density development during critical growth periods
• Relationships between body composition (fat mass, lean mass) and bone parameters
• Effects of physical activity, screen time, and tobacco use on bone health
• Early life determinants of adolescent bone outcomes
• Site-specific attainment of peak bone mass

Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent longitudinal research tracking bone development in Norwegian youth from 2010-2022. Her most recent work demonstrates site-specific bone mineral density patterns, with declines at the femoral neck and total hip but continued increases at the total body from ages 16 to 27. Her research consistently shows how anthropometric measures and lifestyle factors influence bone development trajectories during adolescence.

Dr. Winther's work has significant public health implications for optimizing peak bone mass achievement, which is crucial for preventing osteoporosis and fractures later in life. Her research contributes to understanding why Norway, despite having high fracture rates in the elderly population, has adolescents with bone density levels equal to or higher than European counterparts.

She maintains extensive collaborative relationships with researchers including Nina Emaus, Guri Grimnes, Ole-Andreas Nilsen, and Tore Christoffersen, demonstrating strong interdisciplinary work within the Tromsø Study consortium. Her publications appear in peer-reviewed journals focused on bone health, epidemiology, and adolescent medicine.