Data was analyzed from the Framingham Study on weight changes over a 40 year period. Shorter term weight loss over 4-6 years and longer term weight loss over 40 years for both women and men were found to have had more micro-architectural deterioration of their bones than that of women and men who did not lose any weight.
Magnitude of skeletal changes were clinically significant and translated into a three fold increase in the risk of fracture to those who lost 5% or more weight over 40 years.
Older adults losing weight should be made aware of possible potential negative effects on bones and should consider countering these effects through interventions including weight bearing exercises, supplements, and eating a balanced diet. Further studies are needed to investigate if bone deficits can be prevented through therapy or interventions.
