Investigating how weight loss affects muscle and bone health in older adults

INVESTigations of Muscle and Bone Health: Developing Automated Approaches for CT-Based Analyses

NIH-funded research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11140262

This study is looking at how losing weight affects muscle and bone health in older adults with obesity, and it wants to find out if wearing a weighted vest or doing resistance training while losing weight can help keep your bones and muscles strong.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Winston-Salem, United States)
Project IDNIH-11140262 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the impact of weight loss on muscle and bone health in older adults, particularly those living with obesity. It compares the effects of weight loss alone to weight loss combined with the use of a weighted vest or resistance training on bone health indicators. The study utilizes advanced CT imaging to analyze changes in muscle and bone density over a 12-month period. By exploring these different approaches, the research aims to identify safer weight loss strategies that minimize the risk of muscle and bone loss.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults living with obesity who are concerned about weight loss and its effects on their muscle and bone health.

Not a fit: Patients who are not older adults or who do not have obesity may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer weight loss interventions for older adults that help preserve muscle and bone health.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that resistance training can mitigate bone loss during weight loss, suggesting that this study's approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Winston-Salem, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.