Exercise and dietary recommendations to preserve musculoskeletal health during weight loss in adults with obesity: A practical guide.

Obesity adversely impacts musculoskeletal health, contributing to functional limitations and an increased risk for falls, fractures and disability. Weight loss can mitigate these effects, but strategies that neglect to incorporate evidence-based dietary and/or exercise approaches can exacerbate musculoskeletal and functional declines. Sustainable weight loss requires a personalised approach that prioritises adequate protein intake and essential nutrients to preserve musculoskeletal health. To enhance adherence and long-term success, dietary strategies should be practical, nutritionally balanced and cost-effective. Similarly, exercise programmes should be individually tailored and progressive, with resistance training central to any program prescribed in the context of weight loss, due to its critical role in maintaining muscle and bone mass and strength. When prescribing weight loss strategies involving lifestyle behaviour changes, clinicians must consider their patient's readiness to change. We have used the transtheoretical model of change framework as an example to identify a patient's level of readiness and provided associated motivational interviewing-based strategies to enhance adherence and engagement. This review outlines evidence-based, practical diet and exercise recommendations and behavioural strategies that can facilitate effective and sustainable weight loss, which is particularly important for at-risk populations such as older adults.