Antidepressants may promote bone loss in men being treated for depression, new research shows.

The study, by investigators from the University of Eastern Finland and Deakin University in Australia, shows major depression in men is associated with lower bone density and medications used to treat it are a contributing factor.

Osteoporosis is a common disorder that can lead to fractures, and is more common in women. But men also suffer from the condition, which is tied to low levels of physical activity, smoking, low intake of calcium and vitamin D, and some medications and diseases.

Past studies have suggested depression is associated with lower bone density because it may increase the release of stress hormones and inflammatory biomarkers.

But the new study finds antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can weaken bone health.

The findings are based on a review of the medical records of nearly 1,000 men, aged 24-98 years.

The results published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions, showed thinner men who used antidepressants were more likely to have lower bone density.