More Weight Loss Means More Bone Loss In Study

People who have surgery to curb obesity may later have trouble getting enough calcium and vitamin D to support their bones, according to a new study.

"Our research shows that deficiencies of calcium and vitamin D absorption occur following gastric bypass surgery," said Dr. Shonni J. Silverberg, of Columbia University. "When analyzing hip bone density, we found that those who lost the most weight also lost the most bone."

Researchers studied 23 obese men and women who underwent gastric bypass surgery every three months for a year. One year after weight loss surgery, patients had lost an average of 99 pounds and had significant declines in hip bone mineral density.

"The calcium and vitamin D deficiencies may be due to the alterations in the gastrointestinal tract that take place during these procedures," Silverberg said, adding that increased supplements could help.

The study has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.