Researchers at the University of California, Davis found that, while older women are often advised to lose weight to reduce the risk of hypertension, weight loss of just half a stone (seven pounds) a year led to a significant drop in BMD around 6 x 10-4 g/cm2 for each pound shed.The researchers advise that weight loss programmes for older women should be accompanied by recommendations for preserving BMD as well (J Am Geriatr Soc, 2000; 48: 753-9).