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In this episode, Dr. Mia and Dr. Kristin Beavers discuss the relationship between weight loss and bone health, emphasizing the importance of exercise, nutrition, and monitoring bone density through DEXA scans. They explore the impact of new diabetes medications GLP-1 inhibitors (such as ozempic, wegovy) on bone health and provide practical tips for maintaining bone density, particularly in older adults.

Kristen M. Beavers, PhD, MPH, RD, is a Professor of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine and an Associate Director of the Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. She received her BS from Cornell University in Human Biology, Health, and Society; MPH and RD from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in
Nutrition; and PhD from Baylor University in Exercise, Nutrition, and Preventive Health. Dr. Beavers’ academic and professional interests lie in the study of nutrition and exercise as interdisciplinary sciences, specifically as they relate to prevention and etiology of chronic disease and disability. She has been continuously funded by the NIH for the past decade and has developed a strong research program focused on mitigating loss of bone mass and strength in persons undergoing intentional weight loss, with three NIH-funded clinical trials underway.

Takeaways

• Weight loss can lead to bone loss, especially with caloric restriction.
• DEXA scans are crucial for assessing bone density and osteoporosis risk.
• Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health, especially during weight loss.
• Protein intake should be increased to help preserve bone and muscle during weight loss.
• Weight-bearing exercises are important for maintaining bone density.
• New diabetes medications GLP-1 inhibitors may be associated with bone loss, but more research is needed.
• Balance training is important to prevent falls and fractures in older adults.
• Older adults should be screened for osteoporosis, especially if they have risk factors.
• Maintaining adequate nutrient intake is challenging during weight loss.
• Prior fractures are a significant indicator of osteoporosis risk.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Bone Health and Weight Loss

02:56
Understanding Bone Loss During Weight Loss

05:56
DEXA Scans: Measuring Bone Density

08:59
Osteoporosis: Risk Factors and Screening

11:59
Emerging Diabetes Medications and Bone Health

14:57
Exercise: Loading Bones to Prevent Loss

17:57
Nutrition: Key Nutrients for Bone Health

20:59
Practical Tips for Maintaining Bone Density

23:57
Conclusion: Summary of Key Takeaways

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Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies.
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Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.