Low Calorie Restriction Diets Do Not Appear To Induce Bone Loss In Overweight Adults

Posted on March 5th, 2010.

Good news! Although bone loss is associated with weight loss for obese individuals, same is not true for young adults. Young adults who follow a diet that is low in calories but nutritionally sound for six months appear to lose weight and fat without crucial bone loss.

Calorie restriction is the only proven method to increase longevity while slowing down the aging process. Studies also purport chronic energy deficiency (low caloric intake) impairs bone mineral uptake. Calorie restriction diets, therefore, could lead to bone loss and fractures. Seem like conflicting messages? It’s not.

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Bone mineral density and blood markers of bone resorption and formation (processes by which bone is broken down and regenerated on a regular basis) were measured at the beginning of a study and again after six months. “Compared with the control group, none of the groups showed any change in bone mineral density for total body or hip,” the authors write. Markers of bone resorption were increased in all three intervention groups, while markers of bone formation were decreased in the calorie restriction diets group but were unchanged in the low-calorie diet or calorie restriction plus exercise group. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922174521.htm

The ‘low-calorie diet or calorie restriction plus exercise group’ remained unchanged. What I find interesting is that the data in these studies do not support the notion that extreme weight loss (more than 10%) over short periods (three months) has a worse outcome on bone health than gradual weight loss achieved over six months. This includes moderate calorie restriction diets with or without exercise. Researchers believe that for young individuals undergoing calorie restriction diets, minor adjustments in bone occur possibly as a normal adaptation by the body to the reduced body mass.

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