#bone-density

#bone-density

When you think about osteoporosis, your mind probably jumps to images of frail bones or perhaps an elder's hunched posture. The problem is that our hips are the most at-risk areas for this condition. Not only that, but hip fractures from osteoporosis are among the worst health complications that a person can face in their lives, something that often leads to long-term mobility issues and even life-threatening complications.

"When I did a body composition test at 36, I had way more body fat than I expected," Cheema says. "That pushed me to change my workouts and eating patterns in ways that improved my health-something BMI alone wouldn't have prompted."

They're at the gym, on hiking trails, in public parks and on social media feeds, where influencers claim wearing one can do incredible things for your health. "The benefits to walking with a weighted vest are insane," one paid promoter, theashleywill, said in a recent post on TikTok. "Your posture, your bones, increased calorie burn, your strength, your endurance," she continued. "I could go on and on and on."

Weighted vests, which weigh between five to 30 pounds, enhance workout intensity by adding resistance to various exercises, thereby improving muscle strength and bone density.