A recent study from Wake Forest University has found that wearing a weighted vest may help older adults maintain bone mineral density during weight loss, but only if they spend significant time standing or moving while wearing it.
The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Aging, analyzed data from the INVEST in Bone Health trial. In this randomized, controlled study led by Kristen Beavers at Wake Forest University, participants were split into three groups. One group wore a weighted vest for at least eight hours each day to replace the weight lost through dieting.
Jason Fanning, associate professor of health and exercise science and lead author of the study, examined whether time spent upright—standing or stepping—while wearing the vest influenced changes in bone mineral density. The findings showed that more time spent on one’s feet while wearing the vest was associated with positive changes in bone density.
The researchers suggest that being upright increases exposure to the added load from the vest, which may help preserve bone mass. Based on these results, the team is planning a new study to determine if encouraging greater movement can further enhance the benefits of weighted vests for bone health.
“If we’re going to be putting vests on people, we need to train those people to be up and moving,” said Fanning. “A vest can be a great tool. But, like any tool, it’s not going to do the work for you.”
