Exercise and bone-strengthening medication to protect bones during weight loss in older adults
Official title: Exercise and Bisphosphonate Use to Minimize Weight Loss Associated Bone Loss among Older Adults
Funded at Wake Forest University · NIH-11392386 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A year-long study will test whether resistance training, bone-loading exercise, and a common osteoporosis drug can help older adults lose weight without losing bone density.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,489,536 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG074979-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11392386 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults at risk of obesity-related health issues who are considering or undergoing dietary weight loss and are able to participate in an exercise program.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals unable to participate in exercise, with contraindications to bisphosphonates, or with conditions causing non-weight-bearing bone loss may not benefit.
What this research studies
This study enrolls adults aged 21 and older, focusing on older adults at risk for bone loss during weight loss. It uses a 12-month, 2x2 factorial design to test the independent and combined effects of resistance training with bone-loading exercise and the bisphosphonate drug therapy. Participants will be randomized to different exercise prescriptions with or without the medication to see how bones respond to weight loss efforts. The researchers aim to determine if these strategies can preserve bone mineral density while promoting healthy weight reduction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help older adults lose weight without sacrificing bone health, potentially reducing fracture risk.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests exercise can protect bone in weight-stable scenarios, and some data hint that bisphosphonates may reduce bone loss during weight loss, but this exact combination in older adults undergoing weight loss is being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beavers, Kristen Marie — Wake Forest University
- Study coordinator: Beavers, Kristen Marie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.