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Will weight reduction affect bone density?
DEAR DR. ROACH: Over the previous yr of pandemic lockdown, I’ve labored onerous at decreasing energy to reduce weight and rising my train on an elliptical coach. I’m 5 ft, 7 inches tall and age 70. I went from 202 kilos to 149.3. My weight aim is 145. My waistline is 25.5 inches. I’ve achieved a dimension 14 in clothes, which is what I wore in 2002. According to my digital scale, my BMI is now 23.4, and in accordance with the BMI chart, I’m now within the good “wholesome weight” vary.
Also, in May 2019 I had complete knee substitute surgical procedure and imagine that decreasing my weight could be useful to my hips, knees, ankles and ft. Because of my continued bodily remedy train, in addition to shedding the additional kilos, I really feel steadier on my ft than I’ve felt in years.
I not too long ago learn that “older adults have a [BMI] of between 25 and 27, not underneath 25,” or they run the chance of osteoporosis. My final bone density scan confirmed that I had important enchancment of my bone density, and I might suppose that with all this strolling on the elliptical coach (30-60 minutes day by day), it can show to be no less than nearly as good. In addition, I do some workout routines with small hand weights. I’ve no motive to suppose I’m amongst the 24% of “older” ladies who’ve osteoporosis of the backbone, and so forth.
Should I be content material with a weight of 149? Should I acquire again some fats? — P.R.
ANSWER: I believe nutritious diet and common train are far more vital than the load or BMI, no less than for people who find themselves not very overweight. It is true that carrying some further weight protects to some extent towards osteoporosis, and really skinny ladies are at increased danger. However, I’m so impressed together with your exercise and accomplishments over the previous yr that I might suggest you proceed your train and let your weight keep the place it’s. You ought to proceed to get bone density scans as really useful, however you might be fairly proper that common weight-bearing train is especially good at sustaining bone well being, together with a weight loss program together with satisfactory calcium and guaranteeing good vitamin D in case you are in danger for low vitamin D.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 58-year-old male. I had COVID and was given monoclonal antibody remedy as an outpatient two months in the past. I recovered from COVID with delicate to average signs. How do I decide if I’m shielded from getting COVID once more? I’d wish to know if I ought to get a vaccine and if that’s the case after I ought to get it. — J.D.
ANSWER: Even individuals who have had COVID-19 could get the illness once more, so that they do profit from the vaccine. However, due to the monoclonal antibody you bought, it is suggested you wait 90 days from the monoclonal antibody remedy to vaccine administration. You ought to have the ability to take the vaccine in about one other month.
There is a few partial immunity that comes from getting the illness, and you might be at low danger for 90 days after an infection. It seems that the vaccine provides profit, and I might suggest the vaccine.
