While there are many benefits of losing weight, weight reduction also might negatively affect bones in the body. During weight loss, bones are being remodeled – breaking down old bone and forming new bone – at an accelerated rate. As a result, bone density is reduced, causing increased fragility.
In a new study, MU researchers found that weight-bearing exercise, in this case, fast walking or jogging, did not prevent the increased bone turnover caused by weight loss.
“Accelerated bone turnover is not favorable, but the potential negative consequences of increased bone turnover do not outweigh the numerous other health benefits of weight loss,” says Pam Hinton, associate professor of nutrition and exercise physiology in the College of Human Environmental Sciences. “Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D may minimize the reduction in bone density during weight loss.”
In the study, Hinton examined bone turnover markers in the blood of overweight, premenopausal women. These bone markers are used as indirect indicators of bone remodeling. After six weeks, women who lost 5 percent of their body weight by adhering to a calorie-restricted diet and participating in weight-bearing exercise experienced an increase in bone turnover markers.