Study finds that weighted vests don’t prevent bone density decrease during weight loss in older people

Weight loss for older Americans can come with some risks. One of them is losing bone strength as the pounds fall off. 

A new study found that a popular method to counteract weaker bones doesn’t seem to work.

The Wake Forest University Medical School study looked at weighted vests. Participants using them were compared to those doing resistance training and others in a weight-loss-only group.

All three groups lost about 10 percent of their body weight. But clinical researcher Kristen Beavers says the hopes that those wearing the vests would lose less bone strength didn’t pan out. But the study still emphasizes important information.

“When older adults lose weight, they will lose bone density and also see increased risk of fracture, particularly at load-bearing sites like your hip,” she says. “You might see cardiometabolic benefits, and that’s wonderful. But if it comes at the expense of risks of the musculoskeletal system, I think that’s something people should know about and try to prevent.”

Beavers says although the vests didn’t help with bone loss, they do have potential benefits for older users, including increased strength, balance and an improved ability to go from sitting to standing.