Researchers at Wake Forest University have released findings from a study examining the effects of weight loss strategies on bone health in older adults. The randomized clinical trial, published in JAMA Network Open, found that neither wearing a weighted vest nor engaging in resistance training effectively prevented bone loss during intentional weight loss.
The 12-month INVEST in Bone Health trial involved 150 older adults with obesity, with an average age of 66.4 years. Participants were divided into three groups: one focused solely on weight loss, another combined weight loss with daily use of a weighted vest, and the third incorporated resistance training. All groups experienced significant weight loss ranging from 9% to 11.2% of body weight.
Despite these efforts, all participants showed similar decreases in hip bone mineral density. Kristen M. Beavers, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.D., the study’s corresponding author and professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, stated: “While we hoped that replacing lost weight externally or increasing mechanical loading through exercise would preserve bone, our findings show that these strategies alone may not be enough.”
Beavers emphasized the need for balanced approaches to managing obesity among older adults that consider potential harm to bone health. She noted ongoing research exploring osteoporosis drugs as potential countermeasures.
The INVEST study is part of broader research efforts by Wake Forest University into safe weight-loss methods for older populations. This work is timely given projections that by 2030 approximately 72 million Americans will be aged 65 or older, many facing obesity challenges.
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