According to a U.S. research study postmenopausal women who take calcium and vitamin D supplements are less likely to gain weight. Scientists from the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research initially conducted the study to determine whether or not supplementation decreased the risk of colorectal cancer and hip fractures, but found that the nutritional supplements also helped women maintain a healthy weight.

The study involved over 36,000 postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 79. Women who took calcium and vitamin D supplements over a seven-year period were 11 percent less likely to gain small or moderate amounts of weight than women who did not take the supplements. Researchers believe that calcium and vitamin D, in combination, may aid metabolism. At the same time, women should be following a low-calorie diet and exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight.