Weight loss induced bone loss: mechanism of action and clinical implications

Authors

Hanghang Liu, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Bolun Li, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
Linyi Liu, MaineHealth Institute for Research, Scarborough, ME, USA.Follow
Wangyang Ying, Machine Intelligence Laboratory, College of Computer Science, Sichuan University, No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, China.
Clifford J. Rosen, MaineHealth Institute for Research, Scarborough, ME.Follow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2025

Institution/Department

Center for Molecular Medicine

Journal Title

Bone research

MeSH Headings

Humans; Weight Loss (physiology); Animals; Bone Density (physiology); Bone Resorption; Bone Remodeling; Bone and Bones (pathology)

Abstract

Weight loss, whether resulting from disease-related conditions or intentional interventions, has been increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for compromised skeletal integrity. While moderate weight reduction may yield metabolic benefits, rapid or sustained weight loss is frequently associated with decreased bone mineral density, deterioration of bone microarchitecture, and heightened fracture risk. The mechanisms underlying weight loss-induced bone loss are complex and multifactorial. Emerging evidence highlights a range of contributing factors, including reduced mechanical loading, increased bone marrow adiposity, hormonal and endocrine alterations, nutritional deficiencies, and disruptions in energy metabolism. These mechanisms are intricately interconnected, ultimately impairing bone remodeling and homeostatic balance. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the current literature on the mechanistic pathways, clinical consequences, and therapeutic strategies related to weight loss-induced bone loss. We further differentiate the skeletal effects of disease-associated versus intervention-induced weight loss, with a focus on their distinct molecular underpinnings. Our goal is to offer novel insights into the optimization of bone health management in the context of weight loss, guided by a translational medicine perspective.

ISSN

2095-4700

First Page

99

Recommended Citation

Liu, Hanghang; Li, Bolun; Liu, Linyi; Ying, Wangyang; and Rosen, Clifford J., "Weight loss induced bone loss: mechanism of action and clinical implications" (2025). MaineHealth Maine Medical Center. 4229.
https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/mmc/4229