Using nutrition and exercise to improve bone health in older adults
Official title: Incorporating Nutrition, Vests, Education, and Strength Training in Bone Health (INVEST in Bone Health)
Funded at Wake Forest University · NIH-10612980 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a mix of healthy eating, wearing weighted vests, learning about nutrition, and strength training can help older adults lose weight while keeping their bones strong and healthy.
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 15, 2019 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $581,722 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG059186-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10612980 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 21 and above who are overweight and concerned about maintaining their bone density during weight loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or those with pre-existing severe bone conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how combining nutrition, weighted vests, education, and strength training can help maintain bone health in older adults who are trying to lose weight. The approach focuses on using weighted vests to simulate the mechanical stress of body weight, which may help prevent bone loss associated with weight loss. Participants will engage in a program that includes dietary guidance and strength training to support their overall health while minimizing risks to their bones. The study aims to find a more accessible and cost-effective way to promote healthy weight loss without compromising bone density.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide older adults with a safer method to lose weight while protecting their bone health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results using weighted vests to help maintain bone density during weight loss, indicating potential for success in this approach.
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
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.