04/07/2023
Osteoporosis risk factors‼️
When we’re young, our bodies produce new bone faster than they break down old bone. But after the age of around 30, things slow down, and our bones typically start to lose strength.
OSTEOPOROSIS (brittle bones) is a condition that weakens bones – making them fragile and more prone to fracture. How likely you are to develop osteoporosis depends on how much bone mass you’ve acquired by the age of 30, and how quickly you lose it afterwards.
Osteoporosis develops slowly over time and is frequently only diagnosed when a fall or impact causes a bone fracture. Menopause can also increase the chances of developing osteoporosis because decreased oestrogen levels can lead to bone loss.
This means it’s even more important to look after our bones as we age.
How can bones become damaged?
There are several factors that can increase the risk of our bones becoming damaged. Some of the most common are…
• How much calcium you get. A diet that’s low in calcium can contribute to reduced bone density (the amount of calcium and other minerals that are found in your bones), premature bone loss, and an increased risk of fracture.
• Gender. Because women tend to have smaller, thinner bones than men, and may experience bone loss during menopause, they’re more at risk of osteoporosis than men.
• Physical activity. People who don’t get enough physical exercise are more at risk of developing osteoporosis than people who do regular exercise.
• To***co. Smoking affects the body’s ability to absorb calcium, which can cause reduced bone density. Several studies show that smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis and bone fracture.
• Alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can interfere with our body’s balance of calcium, an essential nutrient for healthy bones. It can also decrease bone density.
• Size. People who are very underweight (with a BMI of 19 or under) are more at risk of developing osteoporosis, as they usually have less bone mass to draw from.
• Race. Research suggests that Caucasian people and people of Asian descent are at the greatest risk of osteoporosis.
• Family history. If you have a parent or sibling who has osteoporosis, or a family history of fractures, this can increase the risk of you developing osteoporosis yourself.
• Hormone levels. Reduced oestrogen levels caused by menopause can lead to bone loss, and in men, reduced testosterone levels can cause bone loss too. Having increased levels of thyroid hormones in your system for too long can also reduce bone density.
• Eating disorders. People who have suffered from eating disorders like anorexia* or bulimia can often have a lower bone density and reduced bone strength. Consequently, this can make their risk of developing osteoporosis or fracturing bones higher.
• Surgery or health conditions. People suffering from conditions like Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease, and Cushing’s syndrome, may have problems absorbing calcium, which can lead to weakened bones. Stomach surgery and weight-loss surgery can also impact calcium absorption and affect bone health.
• Certain drugs and medications. Using steroid medications like prednisone, cortisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone on a long-term basis can reduce bone density.
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www.nia.nih.gov
