Ask Tip Sheet

Newsweek, June, 2006 by Jamie Huish

Is it true that jogging increases your bone density, thus increasing your weight?

-Tim Beatty, Eaton, Ohio

Yes and no. Jogging does increase your bone density, but pounding the pavement will still help you lose pounds, says Dr. Daniel Hamner, a New York sports-medicine specialist. Any small weight gain from higher bone density is canceled out by the overall benefits of jogging, which include burning fat and building muscle. That helps you use up calories and revs your metabolism, ultimately causing you to lose weight. So forget about that excuse for not exercising and give us a 10-minute mile.

Newsweek U.S. Edition