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Comment by squirrel6 | Hacker News Reader

Indeed. The fact that they (the drug’s sponsors) didn’t look at how much of the weight lost during the RCT was lean mass is very damning.

To your point, we know lifting weights specifically is crucial for maintaining bone mineral density[1]. I wonder if there’s a correlation between loss of lean mass and reduced bone mineral density.

[1] Crucial being a relative term with respect to the applicability of this study’s findings https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31797417/

Edit: for sourcing.

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Evidence is mixed on weight lifting and bone density. Some studies see no benefit at all. The idea that it is "crucial" isn't supported by any evidence at all. Most people have bone density that is fine without any weight lifting.

On the other hand the evidence on running and bone density is very consistent.

So for good bone density you need to pursue a high impact sport that might destroy your joints? Unfortunate if true!

Try taking a look at high intensity resistance training. It's the weight lifting equivalent to high intensity interval training. It's very effective, and it's low impact relative to the amount of time spent exercising.

There is a lot of evidence that high impact sports like running actually improve joint health. Especially if they practice appropriate resting and nutrition. I suspect that a lot of the injuries we associate with high impact activities are from people who have lost conditioning from inactivity, attempting to resume exercise without knowing their new limits.

https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/fitness/is-runnin...

same idea as building a callous on your hands or feet. lots of use tends to toughen your joints.

You are incorrect. There is a consensus among scientists who study this subject that /skeletal/ muscle mass is directly associated with bone density. There are specific arguments and disagreements about what exercise is most beneficial for increasing overall skeletal muscle mass index efficiently, but the relationship between skeletal muscle mass, blood flow and nutrient distributions, the downstream effects on hormone regulation systems, and how all of those improve bone density are very well studied.

Neither you or the above commenter have provided sources.

AFAIK resistance training would beat aerobic sport (for this problem); the correlation is right in the headline.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31797417/

While I'm not sure about the connection between weight lifting and bone density, I do know that inactivity is a major cause of injury and lost physical fitness. A person who is obese is getting that exercise just by existing. Every time they stand up, lift an arm, bend over, or walk across the room, they are engaging in more exercise than a low body weight person does in the gym. Once that weight is gone, they will need to increase activity levels.

I would be surprised if the activity of moving you overweight body around could be classified as resistance exercise when it comes to any of the positive adaptation usually elicited by lifting bb

I imagine if you lifted bar bells 24/7 it would be way less healthy. I know that wearable weights are not recommended because it can cause health problems and injuries. I like this video by Phil Gaimon. Stuff like walking, standing, balancing and getting on his bike are much more difficult.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6W2Hmy0Lzo

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