This invention relates to methods for treatment, diagnosis and prevention of bone disease and comprises methods including measurement and modulation of sympathetic tone and leptin activity. Alteration of sympathetic tone in bone disease can be accomplished by decreasing or increasing leptin synthesis, leptin receptor synthesis, leptin binding to the leptin receptor, and leptin receptor activity. Alteration of sympathetic tone in bone disease can also be accomplished in the foregoing manner, in combination with traditional sympathetic nervous system agonists and/or antagonists, such as, but not limited to, a dopamine beta hydroxylase antagonist or a beta adrenergic antagonist for treatment or prevention of osteoporosis.