In this edition of Nutrition Research Update, Doctoral Candidate Christian Wright highlights a common consequence of weight loss that is often overlooked–decreased bone mass. Such losses could ultimately affect risk for skeletal issues such as fractures and osteoporosis, offsetting some of the benefits of weight loss.  Are there dietary strategies to minimize losses of bone while facilitating weight loss?

In addition, we highlight our first ‘slide share’, which reviews the new dietary patterns recommended by the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines and how eggs fit into these eating approaches. 

At ENC, we are committed to featuring new research on timely topics relevant to optimal health and disease prevention in both the Nutrition Research Update and on our website. We are actively expanding content provided on our website and invite you to explore the scientific information and resources provided by the Egg Nutrition Center.

Regards,

Tia M. Rains, PhD
Senior Director of Nutrition Research & Communications

Christian Wright, Doctoral Candidate, Department of Nutrition Science Laboratory of Nutrition, Fitness, and Aging Purdue University

It goes without saying that our nation currently faces a serious obesity crisis. Nearly half of the United States has an obesity prevalence greater than 30% and not a single state in the U.S. shows a prevalence less than 20% (Fig. 1). This pervasiveness of obesity has led to a dramatic spike in cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes cases, which has ultimately decreased the quality of life and life expectancy for many Americans (1). One solution to this nationwide problem is weight loss, particularly diet-induced weight loss (2). Even a 5% reduction in body weight is shown to improve fasting blood lipid and glucose concentrations while decreasing the risk of all-cause mortality (3, 4). Indeed, weight loss is beneficial and is needed to combat our on-going battle with obesity. However, the loss of body mass without considering changes in body composition is irresponsible. Though beneficial for metabolic health, weight loss is shown to decrease bone mass (5) which could, in turn, increase the risk of osteoporosis and skeletal fracture. 

Bone is a metabolically active organ serving many functional roles in the body including mechanical support and protection of vital organs, both of which are heavily influenced by bone mass. Bone mineral density (BMD) is a clinical measurement of bone mass and is closely tied to total body mass (6). Many factors contribute to this close relationship, however, it is the mechanical load placed on bone via body mass, particularly lean mass (7), that induces bone formation and closely ties these two together (8). Weight loss reduces this mechanical load place on bone and encourages the loss of BMD (9). This is particularly detrimental in overweight/obese older adults (10) who inherently have lower bone mass and less lean mass (11)...

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