Research
Mixed
Exercise-induced weight loss preserves bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and spine in nonobese, middle-aged adults, despite causing similar weight loss and increased bone turnover as caloric restriction.
To lose weight without losing bone, prioritize exercise. Exercise-induced weight loss protects your hip and spine bone density, whereas dieting alone does not.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Despite weight loss, the EX group did not demonstrate a decrease in BMD at any site.
Why this rating
RCT design with rigorous monitoring of energy expenditure and intake.
Source
Bone mineral density response to caloric restriction-induced weight loss or exercise-induced weight loss: a randomized controlled trial.
Dennis T. Villareal et al. · PubMed · 2007
DOI 10.1001/archinte.166.22.2502
rct · n=48Cited 314×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
Related findings · Mixed
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