Exercise Could Protect Bone Health after Weight Loss Surgery

Although weight loss surgery is an effective obesity treatment, it can be detrimental to bone health. But a novel study suggests that exercise could help address this shortcoming. The findings of the study are published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.// The study randomized 84 participants undergoing weight loss surgery to a control group and an exercise group for 11 months. The exercise group had a high impact, balance, and resistance exercises 3 times per week.

Twelve months after surgery, volunteers in the exercise group had higher bone mineral density measurements at the lumbar spine and the forearm than those in the control group. Also, study volunteers who attended at least half of the exercise sessions had higher bone mineral density at the femoral neck compared to those in the control group.

"These findings revealed that a structured exercise program could be a valid treatment option to reduce weight loss surgery-induced bone loss, which could be especially important since many patients undergo surgery in early adulthood or even at pediatric ages," stated lead author Florêncio Diniz-Sousa.

"As stated in recently published World Health Organization physical activity guidelines, regular exercise should be a priority for all, including patients who have undergone weight loss surgery."



Source-Medindia