Being overweight or obese puts you at risk for heart problems, cancer and other health conditions, but people who are trying to lose weight may also be at risk for developing osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones fragile, brittle and more prone to break. In a recent study published in the journal Obesity Research, scientists studied whether protein intake affected the loss of bone in adults.

Sixty-five overweight and obese men and women participating in a diet study were divided into two groups: one group ate foods with high protein content whereas the other group ate foods with a lower protein content. During the study, the men and women underwent body composition testing that measured bone density and body fat levels.

At the end of the six-month study, the high-protein group had lost nearly 20 pounds, compared to only about 11 pounds in the low-protein group. Researchers discovered that the people in the low-protein group actually lost more bone than those in the high-protein group.

The results of this study suggest that increasing protein intake during dieting may help to prevent bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis. If you're trying to lose weight or worried about bone loss, discuss these findings with your doctor or a registered dietitian.

Related information Weight management and nutrition

Sources:  Skov AR, Haulrik N, Toubro S, Molgaard C, Astrup A. Effect of Protein Intake on Bone Mineralization during Weight Loss: A 6-Month Trial. Obesity Research 2002 Jun;10(6):432-8.