Dairy Foods, Protein With Daily Exercise Induce Weight Loss While Protecting Bone Health

A diet rich in dairy foods and  protein was associated with improved bone health among obese young women in a study by Canadian researchers. Eating dairy foods and higher-than-recommended amounts of protein resulted in improvements in biomarkers of bone formation and reductions in markers of bone degradation. The 16-week diet- and exercise-induced weight loss program involving 90 premenopausal women and included modest dietary calorie restriction, aerobic exercise and varied intakes of protein and dairy foods. Researchers then tested bone mineral density and blood levels of several bone health biomarkers, finding positive effects on markers of bone turnover, calcium, vitamin D status and bone metabolism.