A team of researchers conducted a three-year medical study to examine how lifestyle changes can impact bone health in older women suffering from metabolic syndrome.
The study, reported by Medical Xpress, focused on the effects of following a Mediterranean-style, low-calorie diet combined with regular physical activity. The findings revealed that women who adhered to this program — designed to promote weight loss and encourage physical activity — experienced significant improvements in bone mineral density, particularly in the lumbar spine region.
While weight loss is a key strategy in addressing obesity and reducing associated diseases, previous studies have shown that losing weight may also lead to a decline in bone mineral density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. However, the recent study, conducted by researchers at Rovira i Virgili University as part of the PREDIMED-Plus trial (a randomized, three-year clinical study across 23 sites in Spain), offers new insights.
The analysis included 924 adults aged between 55 and 75 years, with 49.1% of participants being women. All participants were overweight or obese and had metabolic syndrome. The trial divided participants into two main groups:
- The intervention group followed a calorie-restricted Mediterranean diet (reduced by 30%), engaged in regular physical activity, and received behavioral support.
- The control group followed the same Mediterranean diet but without calorie restriction or encouragement of physical activity.
Bone mineral density was measured at various body sites, such as the femur and lumbar spine, and total bone mineral content was assessed at the study’s start, after one year, and after three years.
Overall, the study found no major effect on total bone mineral content or the overall prevalence of low bone density. However, notable and clinically significant improvements in lumbar spine bone mineral density were observed among women in the intervention group compared to the control group.
Further analysis, excluding participants who were taking calcium or vitamin D supplements, still demonstrated a consistent and statistically significant improvement in lumbar spine bone density.
The study concludes that interventions combining a calorie-restricted Mediterranean diet with increased physical activity can serve as an effective strategy to maintain bone health in older women, particularly those at risk of age-related bone mineral density loss.
bone health, older women, Mediterranean diet, metabolic syndrome, weight loss, physical activity, osteoporosis prevention, lumbar spine bone density, healthy aging, PREDIMED-Plus study.