Impact of weight-cycling history on bone density in obese women.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of weight cycling (as defined by the frequency and magnitude of intentional weight loss) on bone mineral density and bone mineral content in obese sedentary women.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Bone mineral content and density measured by DXA, submaximal physical fitness assessment, nutrient intake, oral contraceptive use, and weight-cycling history were assessed in 195 healthy, overweight sedentary women (age, 21 to 45 years; body mass index, 27 to 40 kg/m(2)) before beginning a behavioral weight-loss intervention.

RESULTS

After controlling for body weight, multivitamin use, oral contraceptive/estrogen use, and calcium and magnesium intake, women who had a history of weight cycling did not have significantly lower total-body bone mineral content or density or total femur bone mineral density. In addition, 99% of subjects were above or within one SD of age and gender normative data for total femur bone mineral density.

DISCUSSION: It does not seem that a history of weight cycling has an adverse affect on total femur and total-body bone mineral density in overweight sedentary premenopausal women.