University of Illinois researchers have found that a higher-protein diet that emphasizes lean meats and low-fat dairy foods for protein allows weight loss without the bone loss that can happen with conventional higher-carbohydrate diets.

They measured bone mineral content and density of two diet groups (higher protein and, higher carbohydrate) in a year-long study. The bone density remained stable in the higher-protein group, but declined in the conventional-diet group (a diet based on the food-guide pyramid).

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign News Release