In a new study, researchers found that obese and overweight older people who lose weight have a lower bone mineral density in their hips.
The research was conducted by a team at Wake Forest University.
The team gathered data from 77 adults (mean age, 67 years) at baseline, 18 months, and 30 months as they participated in an 18-month weight-loss program.
Specifically, the researchers collected data on the patients’ body mass and body composition, as well as their bone mineral density, trabecular bone score, and regional bone scores at the hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine.
The researchers found that of the measurements taken, only total hip bone mineral density was much reduced during the 18-month weight-loss intervention.
The researchers also found that change in hip bone mineral density had a direct association with change in total fat mass and total lean body mass.
The team says these findings suggest that bone loss persists after weight loss ends.
To protect bone health, obese and overweight people need to minimize bone loss during active weight loss programs.
One author of the study is Daniel E. Kammire.
The study is published in Obesity.
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