- A Mediterranean diet with reduced energy intake improved bone mineral density (BMD) in older adults, especially women.
- Combining diet with increased physical activity led to significant reductions in body weight and improvements in bone health.
- The intervention demonstrated a protective effect against osteoporosis, particularly in the lumbar spine region.
This study examined the effects of a Mediterranean diet with a 30% energy reduction, combined with increased physical activity, on bone health in older adults.
The results emphasize the importance of managing obesity through targeted lifestyle changes. Managing obesity can reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures in older adults.
Weight Loss and Bone Health: How Lifestyle Changes Can Slow Bone Loss in Older Adults
Aging is often linked to a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures. The study explored the role of a Mediterranean diet with reduced energy intake, combined with increased physical activity, in mitigating these risks. Over three years, participants who followed this lifestyle intervention showed improvements in their BMD. There was also a decrease in body weight, especially in women.
The trial included adults aged 55 to 75 with metabolic syndrome. It revealed a greater reduction in body weight among those who adhered to the energy-restricted Mediterranean diet. This diet also included specific physical activity recommendations to help participants meet the World Health Organization‘s guidelines for older adults. The intervention group experienced increased bone health compared to the control group, especially in areas such as the lumbar spine and femur.
Gender differences played a significant role in the study’s outcomes, with women benefiting more from the intervention than men. These findings highlight that bone health interventions could be more effective for women. This is especially true when combined with weight loss strategies and physical activity. The study supports the idea that lifestyle modifications can be a crucial part of public health strategies to prevent osteoporosis.
Despite the positive results, further studies with longer follow-up periods are necessary to fully understand the long-term effects of such interventions. Future research should explore how sustained weight loss and lifestyle changes can continue to benefit bone health as people age. This could reduce the incidence of osteoporotic fractures.
Lifestyle changes, particularly a Mediterranean diet with energy reduction and increased physical activity, can significantly improve bone health in older adults. This is especially effective for women and offers an effective approach to preventing osteoporosis.
“Aging is a natural process, but lifestyle interventions can slow the deterioration of bone health.”
