Regular workout protects the bones from the effects of a calorie-restricted diet, according to a recent study. Since working out prevents bone loss during voluntary weight loss, calorie deprivation should be combined with exercising in order to achieve a balance between losing weight and preserving the bone, according to Dl. Villareal.

Over a one-year time period, nineteen people followed a calorie-restricted diet, another nineteen ate as usual but engaged in regular workout, and ten people from the control group only followed a healthy lifestyle. The results showed a weight loss of about eighteen pounds and a bone density loss of more than two percent among the dieters.

The exercisers had a weight loss of almost fifteen pounds and no significant changes concerning bone mineral density. For the healthy lifestyle group there were no changes about the weight loss or the bone mineral density.

However, the calorie-restriction diet has benefic effects, according to Dr. Villareal. Calorie restriction should not be considered a negative, as it helps reduce the risk of disease and contributes to losing weight.It is also possible that calorie restrictions may result in anti-aging benefits, which could not be achieved solely by exercising. To maintain healthy bones, workout should be made part of a weight loss program in order to compensate for the adverse effects on bone, of calorie restrictions.