Weight loss in elderly may harm bone strength
New York, June 3 : While losing excess weight can be considered healthy, researchers claim that it may reduce bone density, bone architecture and bone strength in older adults.
According to the study, the magnitude of changes to the skeleton were clinically significant and translated into an almost three-fold increase in the risk of fracture for those who lost five per cent or more weight over 40 years.
Long-term and recent weight loss were found to be associated with lower cortical density and thickness, higher cortical porosity, and lower trabecular density and number in the elderly.
"We showed that men and women with both shorter term weight loss over 4-6 years and longer term weight loss over 40 years had more micro-architectural deterioration of their bones than persons who did not lose weight," said principal investigator Douglas P. Kiel from the Hebrew Seniorlife Institute for Aging Research, US
The study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, included 769 women, 595 men with an average age of 70.
Weight measurements taken every 4-6 years were used to assess recent weight change over 6 years and long-term change over 40 years.
"Older adults who are losing weight should be aware of the potential negative effects on the skeleton and may want to consider counteracting these effects through interventions such as weight-bearing exercise and eating a balanced diet," said senior author, Elizabeth Samelson.
"Given that weight loss is highly common in older adults, further work is needed to evaluate if these bone deficits can be prevented through interventions or therapy," Samelson noted.
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Barmer hottest in Rajasthan with 45.6 deg C
Jaipur, Apr 6 (PTI): Barmer was the hottest place in Rajasthan on Sunday recording a maximum temperature of 45.6 degrees Celsius, 6.8 degrees above normal, the Jaipur Meteorological Center said.
Parts of Rajasthan witnessed scorching heat today. Jaisalmer recorded a high of 45.0 degrees Celsius, Chittorgarh 43.2 degrees, Jodhpur 43 degrees, Kota 42.4 degrees and Jalore 42 degrees.
Barmer saw a record breaking maximum temperature of 45.6 degrees in the first week of April. The highest temperature the city witnessed during this period was 45.2 degrees Celsius on April 3, 1998, a MeT department spokesperson said.
The heat wave prevailing in many parts of the state will intensify in the coming days, he said.
The temperature is likely to increase in the state by 3 to 4 degrees in the coming days. On Monday, the maximum temperature in some parts of southwestern Rajasthan is likely to settle around 44 to 45 degrees and 42 to 44 degrees in parts of eastern Rajasthan, he said.
