What is one advantage of carrying a bit too much weight? Yes, there is a benefit from extra weight. The answer is reduced risk of developing osteoporosis in your lifetime.

Peak bone mass is at about 20 years. After this time everyone starts to lose bone mass. Some fast, some slow. Everybody will develop osteoporosis eventually. That is why I said “in your lifetime”.

Bone density is defined by T score. 1.0 or greater is normal. -1.0 to -2.5 is osteopenia (some bone loss). -2.5 and below is osteoporosis. Bone density is measured by DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry – try saying that quickly 5 times in a row).

One of the major determinants of keeping bones strong is weight bearing exercise. The more you stress bones the stronger they try to be. Bone is constantly being lost and made. More stress favors more bone being made.

This is where being heavy comes in. More weight means more impact on your bones and more stress. I am not advocating weight gain, but it is nice to have some positive reinforcement once in a while.

An alternative to weight is jumping-style activities. This mimics a higher body weight since gravity is being used.

I was surprised to read that the US Preventative Services Task Force, who I had never heard of before, recommended DEXA screening for women 60-64 years who weighed less than 70 kg (154 lbs) and all women over 65. I would have thought that preventative would mean younger.

DEXA just involves lying on table with no metal on your body, while your spin and hip are scanned. I had one about 5 years ago after destroying my hand, whacking it on the wall, trying to play squash. My doctor was convinced that to due to the significant damage that I did to the bones in my hand, I must have really low bone density. No. I just whacked it really hard, and eventually ended up having to have reconstructive surgery for tendon damage. The hand is now a bit knobbly and does not work quite as well as it did.

If you are depressed about your weight – remember there is one positive effect – stronger bones.

photo credit: bunnicula

[tags]osteoporosis, osteopenia, weight bearing, DEXA, bone, T score[/tags]