Weight Loss Harm Bone Health in Diabetes: Study

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ’Ό Written by Abdur Rahman Choudhury, M.Sc.
Published on

πŸ•’ Reading Time: 2 minutes

Key Takeaway: A new study warns that people with type 2 diabetes who lose weight may also lose bone and increase their fracture risk. 😱 The article suggests some ways to prevent bone loss during weight loss, such as eating more protein, taking supplements, and doing exercises. πŸ’ͺ

Did you know that losing weight can actually increase your risk of breaking a bone? 😲 That’s right! According to a recent review article published in Current Osteoporosis Reports, people with type 2 diabetes who try to shed some pounds may end up harming their skeletal health. Here’s what you need to know about this surprising finding and how to protect your bones while managing your diabetes. πŸ’ͺ

The research, done by researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, summarizes the latest evidence on the effects of lifestyle interventions for weight loss on bone health among people with type 2 diabetes. The authors explain that weight loss is recommended for improving blood sugar control and reducing cardiovascular risk factors in people with diabetes. πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ However, both diabetes and weight loss have been associated with detrimental effects on bone quality, density, and strength. πŸ˜•

The authors cite several studies that have shown that intentional weight loss by diet πŸ₯— or exercise πŸš΄β€β™€οΈ can lead to bone loss and increased fracture risk in people with diabetes. For example, according to a different large randomized clinical trial that examined the effect of weight loss on cardiovascular outcomes in people with diabetes, found that participants who underwent an intensive lifestyle intervention for weight loss had lower bone mineral density and higher fracture risk than those who received diabetes support and education. πŸ“š

The authors also discuss the possible mechanisms behind the negative impact of weight loss on bone health in people with diabetes. They suggest that weight loss can reduce mechanical loading on bones, decrease sex hormone levels, alter cytokine and adipokine production, cause calcium and vitamin D deficiency, and affect gut-derived hormones. Moreover, they point out that people with diabetes may have other factors that impair bone quality, such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, microvascular complications, falls, and medication use. πŸ’Š

So, what can people with diabetes do to lose weight without compromising their bone health? The authors recommend some strategies that may help mitigate bone loss during weight loss interventions, such as:

  • Increasing protein intake πŸ—
  • Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements πŸ’Š
  • Doing resistance and balance exercises πŸ‹οΈβ€β™€οΈ
  • Monitoring bone health and fracture risk 🦴
  • Using novel methods such as time-restricted eating ⏰ or weighted vest use πŸ‹οΈβ€β™‚οΈ

The authors conclude that more research is needed to investigate the optimal methods for achieving weight loss goals and maintaining skeletal health among people with diabetes. πŸ”¬

So, what do you think about this news story? πŸ€” Have you ever experienced bone loss or fracture during weight loss? How do you take care of your bones while managing your diabetes? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! πŸ’¬

About Author

Abdur Rahman Choudhury

Abdur Rahman Chowdhury is a weight loss coach with 3+ years of experience. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biochemistry from The Burdwan University, India. He also completed the "Lose Weight and Keep It Off" certificate course from Harvard Medical School, US. Abdur believes in the power of home-cooked meals and weight training to stay healthy and fit.

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