Bone Coach - How do you know it works?

What is Bone Coach?

@sheilad1 What is Bone Coach? You mention it's pricey? I'd personally be suspicious of a program that is expensive for which there is no scientific evidence of its effectiveness.

I had (key word is "had") osteoporosis and I'm now in the osteopenia range. I did this by working with my doctor on increasing my Vitamin D level (needed to done with supplements), medication (Fosomax which I resisted at first and finally decided to go with it for 4.5 years) and weight bearing and strength based exercise. Exercise included walking, x-country skiing, and weight training. In the midst of all this I had a total hip replacement for a hip where there was a congenital problem and I had developed osteoarthritis. The hip and back pain was awful and impaired my quality of life so for almost a year in the middle of all this I couldn't do the activities I normally enjoy. I had a bone density scan after finishing the Fosomax and learned that my bone density had greatly improved. In my case I did what the scientific evidence supports.

Does this help as you think about what you might like to do to increase your bone density?

@sheila1 Hello, I know the feeling of trying to get healthy, not wanting to take meds with a lot of side effects, and searching for "the cure." Fortunately, I do not have osteoporosis, but an incurable lung condition, that led me to Mayo Connect several years ago.

After reading and researching mainline and alternative treatments for Bronchiectasis & MAC, and for chronic pain, I have developed "filters" that can be applied to medications, supplements and treatments. These look for evidence, safety, and the qualifications of the promoters.

1) EVIDENCE
Has the medication or treatment been subjected to a sound, independent, measurable, evidence-based study? Have the results been independently peer-reviewed by someone with no personal or financial stake in the outcome?
Have the results been published in an independent professional or medical journal?
2) SAFETY
Have the risks of the medication or treatment been fully analyzed?
Are they clearly disclosed by the promoter?
If a medication or supplement, are ALL ingredients disclosed?
If equipment is involved, is it certified by the appropriate safety regulators?
3) QUALIFICATIONS
What are the professional credentials of the developer of the treatment or medication?
What are the qualifications or credentials of any independent reviewers?

Here are the "Red Flags" that make me run away: Undisclosed ingredients. Unwillingness to submit to independent testing or review. Lack of proper training to create the a scientifically sound and safe process, or lack of proper oversight by professionals with the training. Refusal to provide the identity of any "experts" consulted. Failure to advise people with known health conditions to consult their provider before applying.

I looked at the website, my main concern is: Lack of evidence - customer stories don't count. There is not even a hint that this is a peer-reviewed or peer-supported methodology, and NO numbers - not even his own, to show how the program works.
Does this give you any ideas for exploring furthet?
Sue

I prefer not taking Fosamax and there is science. It isn't posted however.

Failure to post proven scientific basis - whether for a supplement, a medication, a surgery or an alternative treatment plan being sold for profit is a "red flag" in my book.
What can you tell us about the program and its cost? How do you confirm that it is working for you? Is there an additional cost for that process?
Sue

@sueinmn This is good advice and information.

If one wants to search the scientific literature try Google Scholar. Using the key words Bone Coach you can see if there is peer-reviewed scientific evidence. That way one can locate valid and reliable evidence if it there is any that has been published in a scientific journal.

Does this help?

I suggest you ask them anything you’d like to know.

Also the customer “reviews” were glowing but talked about NOTHING. They said they liked their coach and had someone to talk to, but none that I saw gave actual numbers or results. Sounded like a scam. Plus I get emails saying “8 things you must do today for osteoporosis” and if you click on the story link, it takes you to a place to sign up for the program. It’s all very fishy..I could not find any results pages that tell you how many people IMPROVED.. I’m very happy that the customers love it, but what was the outcome? Strange

Yes, and I searched Google Scholar - no non-commercial reviews of the program or its founder. Every link on the internet was self-promo "interview" with little press pubs or his own YouTube or web links.
I am fortunate not to have osteoporosis at this point, but am high risk due to genetics and lifelong steroid use, so do everything I can - diet, exercise, rest, regular tests. So far, no measurable declines - must have inherited my Dad's bone genetics, not Mom's - I do know my teeth are good like his were.
What are you doing to keep your bones strong?
Sue

Sue, it is a work in progress, but I’m moving forward daily. I switch things up, but a walk daily is non negotiable. I use a weighted vest (I’m finally up to 10lbs, and my goal is the recommended 10% of body weight..so 12lb is my goal.) I alternate days of doing free weights exercise,Fishman Yoga 12 poses and Meeks method exercises. I eat mostly plant based (I’m a vegan for 30+years, but recently stopped ALL added sugar (6 months ago). I take vitamins, but not crazy amounts and get most from food, but as I age my appetite had gotten so low that supplements are getting necessary. I definitely take B12, a good multi, K2, D3,DHA, magnesium and C. I emphasize protein, calcium and fiber in my diet. That’s it, so far. Ha!
You are lucky to have gotten the daddy gene! I got my moms crummy gene snd have been working for most of my life to not follow her path of self care, which was zero! I’m trying …
I’m envious of your current status of bone health, but please keep vigilant. Women don’t have it easy in this aging game. Whatever you do, muscle strength is vital for your future. Work on that and flexibility. You want to be able to get up if you fall! My friend told me she was unable to get on the floor and then get up… terrifying!! I watched videos on this very thing and am now able to get down and up without much grunting!! Haha!
Thanks for checking out those links. And continue to stay strong and well… Barb