A study offers a promising solution for maintaining bone health in women!

A team of researchers conducted a three-year medical study to examine the impact of lifestyle changes on bone health in older women with metabolic syndrome.

The study focused on the impact of following a low-calorie Mediterranean diet along with increased regular physical activity on bone health, seeking to determine the extent to which these lifestyle changes can preserve bone mineral density, especially in light of the increasing incidence of obesity and aging around the world.

The results showed that women who followed this program, which aims to lose weight and increase physical activity, achieved significant improvements in bone mineral density, particularly in the lumbar spine.

Bone mineral density is a measure used to determine bone strength and susceptibility to fracture. Low bone mineral density is a major risk factor for osteoporosis, a condition that increases the risk of fractures. 

Although weight loss is considered a key measure for managing obesity and reducing associated diseases, several previous studies have shown that weight loss may be associated with decreased bone mineral density, putting a person at risk for osteoporosis.

In the recent study, researchers at Rovira i Virgili University conducted a secondary analysis of the PREDIMED-Plus trial (a 3-year randomized clinical study conducted at 23 sites in Spain). The analysis included 924 adults aged 55 to 75 (49.1% of whom were women) with metabolic syndrome and overweight or obesity.

The experiment included two main groups:

The first followed a 30% reduced-calorie Mediterranean diet with physical activity incentives and behavioral support.

The second followed the same Mediterranean diet, but without reducing calories or encouraging physical activity.

Bone mineral density was measured at several sites in the body, such as the femur and lumbar spine (lower back region). Total bone mineral content was also assessed at the beginning of the study, after one year, and after three years.

The results showed no significant effect on total bone mineral content or the prevalence of low bone mineral density overall. However, there were positive and significant results in improving bone mineral density at the lumbar spine in women who participated in the diet and physical activity intervention group. Overall, bone mineral density at the lumbar spine improved in the intervention group compared to the control group.

Furthermore, analyses that excluded participants taking calcium or vitamin D supplements showed a consistent and statistically significant improvement in bone mineral density at the lumbar spine.

The study indicated that interventions including a low-calorie Mediterranean diet and increased physical activity could be an effective strategy for maintaining bone health in older women, especially those at risk of age-related decline in bone mineral density.

The study was published in the journal JAMA Network Open.

A new secret to improving women's sex lives

A recent study has shown a positive effect of Pilates exercises on women's sexual desire.

Pilates was developed nearly 100 years ago by German instructor Joseph Pilates and is a low-impact exercise designed to enhance strength and flexibility.

Scientists at Sakarya University in Turkey wanted to test the effect of 12 weeks of regular Pilates exercises on women suffering from low sexual desire.

The study involved 93 women who were divided into two groups: one group exercised regularly twice a week, while the other group continued with their usual daily activities.

After three months, the results showed that women who engaged in Pilates experienced a significant 95% improvement in their levels of sexual desire, orgasm, and overall sexual satisfaction. In contrast, no change was recorded in the other group.

According to the study, just 3 months of regular exercise was enough to improve the emotional lives of many women in their 30s.

Scientists have explained that the likely reason for this benefit lies in strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, bowel, and uterus and play a key role in sexual function.

They added: "We found a significant improvement in sexual satisfaction after 12 weeks of Pilates, but further studies are needed to support the effectiveness of these exercises in treating sexual dysfunction in women."

The study was published in the journal BMC Urology.