Obese women who are trying to lose weight may benefit from including more dairy products in their diet, as new research indicates that these foods, which are rich in calcium and vitamin D, support strong bone health during periods of weight loss.

Numerous investigations have shown that obese individuals tend to have denser, healthier bones, but that this benefit begins to wear off when a person starts to lose weight. Since weight loss is so important to a person's overall health, it is critical to shed extra pounds without impacting bone health.

For the study, a team of researchers from McMaster University assigned a group of 90 premenopausal to begin various diets. The results showed that those who limited their caloric intake while increasing consumption of dairy foods had the healthiest bones at the end of the investigation.

The researchers said that the high levels of calcium and vitamin D in dairy are likely the reason for these benefits. These nutrients have been shown to play important roles in bone health.

Furthermore, the results underscore the importance of managing all areas of health while dieting. Losing weight is important, but doing it in a healthy manner is the key.