Beauty from the inside out and the outside in is a key principle of the Perricone lifestyle.  As people aim to control weight by exercise and diet, it’s important to make sure that it’s done in a healthy way, so external improvements don’t create internal problems.

Almost all nutritional programs targeted at wieght loss are based on various types of calorie or fat deprivation tactics, which have been shown to distress bone metabolism and health  Ironically, severe calorie restriction is also one of the only modalities shown to increase life span in animals!  As contradictory as this may sound, I believe that if subclinical systemic inflammation, which is the foundation of these problems, can be reduced, body fat can safely be lost without sacrificing muscle and bone.

Studies appear to indicate that the negative relationship between reduced bone health and weight loss is affected by alterations in serum horomone levels, deficient nutritional factors, impaired energy metabolism, immune system distress, the reduction of the beneficial mechanical imapct of excess weight, an increase in inflammatory markers, or some combination of these factors.  Speaking of inflammation, it also appears that chronic long-term inflammation can have the effect of removing calcium from the bones, weakening and shrinking them.  For women, these issues become even more pronounced with the onset and completion of menopause.

If you’re on a weight management program, it is important to consider your bones.  Taking steps like adding calcium-rich foods, following an anti-inflammatory diet, and incorporating weight bearing exercises to your daily routine to ensure you’re beautiful both on the inside and out.

How do you maintain healthy bones?