Protein-Rich Diet Protects Against Osteoporosis During Weight Loss

Although osteoporosis can strike both men and women as they age, women in particular must pay extra attention to bone health, especially when they endeavor to lose weight during the pre-menopausal stage of life.

Many people take Fosamax, manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc., to treat osteoporosis, but now some are searching for alternatives since the drug is thought to cause atypical femur fractures and jawbone death in patients who take it for extended periods of time. Those for whom a drug like Fosamax may be the only solution to keeping bone loss at bay should protect themselves from the severe side effects the drug might cause. Some patients have sued Merck for injuries they’ve sustained while taking Fosamax.

Proper nutrition is one way to protect against bone loss, and current research suggests that a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates could help protect those vulnerable to osteoporosis as they attempt to shed pounds.

Bone Health Improves with Vitamin Rich, Protein-Based Foods

Researchers in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada studied overweight and obese, but otherwise healthy pre-menopausal women who were divided into three groups that consumed either low, medium, or high amounts of protein in a calorie-restricted diet. Each woman engaged in an aerobic exercise seven days a week, plus two additional weight training sessions per week over a 16 week period.

Andrea Josse, the lead author of the study whose findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, said, “Our findings demonstrate the importance of diet composition to the maintenance of bone health status during weight loss. Our data clearly shows dairy-source protein is important when aiming to avoid harmful consequences such as accelerated bone loss during weight loss. In our view, young women attempting to lose weight should consume a diet higher in dairy-source protein.”

The conclusion of the study suggests that younger pre-menopausal women attempting to lose weight clearly benefit from higher protein levels because these types of foods encourage “quality” weight loss, meaning that the women lost fat and retained muscle mass. The inclusion of dairy protein also ensures that the body will produce more of the markers necessary for healthy bones. Prior research conducted by the same researchers with the same group of women showed that when they consumed only marginal levels of protein, the body produced more markers indicative of bone loss.

Those at Risk for Osteoporosis Should Consult Their Physicians

There are many theories about the roles of diet and exercise in helping to avoid bone loss. Those at risk for osteoporosis should consult with their physicians to determine whether lifestyle modifications or a medication like Fosamax are right for you.

RLG Represents Injured Fosamax Users

If you have been taking Fosamax for an extended period of time, and have suffered a femur fracture, it could be because of the medication, and you might be eligible for compensation by a femur fracture lawsuit against Merck. The lawyers at the Rottenstein Law Group can help. Our Fosamax lawyers have over 25 years of collective experience advocating for clients in consumer product injury and mass tort cases. Please fill out our contact form or call us at 1-877-332-2347, and one of our lawyers will be in touch.

For more information on whether you have grounds to file a Fosamax lawsuit, download our free brochure.