Osteoporosis fast facts
Osteoporosis affects one in 3 women and one in 8 men throughout the world and often remains undiagnosed until several bones have been broken, earning it the title of the ‘silent epidemic’.
Risk factors
Risk factors for developing osteoporosis include having low bodyweight, loss of periods for any length of time, doing too little exercise and not having enough calcium in the diet. Smoking and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol have also been identified as risk factors for developing osteoporosis later in life.
Prevention
Eating enough calcium-rich foods, for example, dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt, vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and kale, and canned fish such as sardines or salmon, is a cornerstone of minimising the risk of osteoporosis later in life.
Regular weight-bearing exercise is also an essential part of preventing osteoporosis. When you are young it can help to increase bone density and when you are older it can strengthen muscles and improve balance, which are important in preventing a fall. At any age exercise helps with the maintenance of a healthy bodyweight.
Last Reviewed: 25 February 2003
- Osteoporosis Australia
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