anyone have experience with a weighted vest to help build bones?

I use a weighted vest (Zelus)…it is adjustable from 4 pounds to 10 pounds. I’ve worked my way up on the weight over four months. I’m only 115 pounds, so I think the 10 pounds is plenty. I spoke to my endocrinologist recently about the weighted vest and he thought it was great to do. I lift weights too, so don’t have any other back (scoliosis, etc.) or knee issues besides my severe osteoporosis.

I tried using a weighted vest a couple of years ago at the recommendation of a naturopath. I was trying to avoid medication for severe osteoporosis at that time. I used the vest for a few months with 4 lb weights (I weighed 90 lbs at the time so the doc felt 4 lbs was more than adequate). It ended up exacerbating the arthritis in my neck and shoulders, so I dropped it to 2 lb weights. It still caused issues with my neck and shoulders so I needed to discontinue use.

I don't agree with anyone on the use of a weighted vest. Anyone with osteoporosis is already at risk for fractures. Adding weight to already brittle bones is likely to be risky. Additionally, in my opinion, you're better off taking medication and a daily brisk walk. After 1 year, I have improved from severe osteoporosis diagnosis to osteopenia. It's a miracle that at nearly 80 years old, I hadn't experienced any fractures. I know that osteoporosis is not curable but can be improved. Of course, we can fall at home, but I've made the choice between giving up some activities (running, cycling) that I enjoy, and living a moderately active life in order to avoid risk of injuring myself. I'm currently considering a treadmill for days when it's not possible to walk; or, a stationary bicycle. Perhaps it's because I'm at the last part of my life that I want to be more careful. Maybe the other commentators might be younger than me and think they can continue living as though they don't have osteoporosis. I will also add that I've had spine surgery to correct scoliosis and my spine is now permanently fused to the pelvic bone (spinal fusion). My neurosurgeon prescribed a lightweight brace that emits sound waves that promote bone and tissue healing for the bone graft, in addition to daily self-injection of Tymlos to promote bone growth. It was a massive 6-hr surgery and another reason to take precautions to protect my spine and the intensive work to correct a deformity. Don't risk your health with the latest fad, it's our responsibility to get sound medical advice and educate ourselves about osteoporosis.

@msedpsych
An alternative to the weighted vest are ankle weights - I use 2lb weights per foot. My last scan I had recently, I had some improvement and my fracture risk 6-10% in the next 10 years.
The test I take and have taken is a REMS - a radiation free ultrasound based method to evaluate bone. If you google it, you can find locations in your area.

There are other exercises you can do, at home, that don't involve a weighted vest (which can cause other issues.)

@gigi4 Thank you for this info! I did buy some ankle weights but they don't fit my weirdly thin ankles. So I'm still on the lookout for something that works. I currently do indoor walking with 2lb hand weights. I will check to see if a REMS test is available in my area. I'm currently taking Tymlos (started last December and have been taking a reduced dose due to side effects) and have my annual dexa in Oct. Keeping my fingers 🤞 that I see something positive as my last few dexa scans have been scary!

@msedpsych

@gigi4

Just an fyi - according to my doctor, Dexascan machines are made by different companies. So unless you go to the same place using the same dexascan, results aren’t always reliable.
However, REMS machines are made by one company. Therefore you can go to any location for a REMS and get reliable results and comparisons to your last test.

@gigi4 Yes, my doctor made me aware of that years ago and I have always gone to the same place with same machine since I moved here 19 years ago. I was diagnosed with OP when I was 36 so have been dealing with this for 30 years now! No fractures up to this point thankfully! There are places I can get REMS testing near me, so I will check it out. Doing some research on the test now.