Osteoporosis in Greek brings the meaning of bones with too many passages, translated as bones with holes and larger holes. The bone spaces are then filled with fat or bone marrow cells which lower the bone density and make you weaker and susceptible to injuries. Knowing the osteoporosis risk factors will help you to be more aware.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. K on 14th February 2022.
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Osteoporosis Risk Factors You Should Know
Because you lose bone mass and density with osteoporosis, you’re more prone to break a bone. It’s possible that you don’t have any symptoms or discomfort. A bone fracture might be the first indicator.
The following points increase the risk factors of osteoporosis:
Age
Around the age of 30, your bone density reaches its maximum. Following that, you’ll start to lose bone mass. That’s all the more reason to maintain your bones as strong as possible as you age by doing strength training and weight-bearing activity, as well as ensuring you receive adequate calcium and vitamin D from your diet.
Gender
Women over the age of 50 are at the highest risk of developing osteoporosis. Women are four times as likely as males to get the condition. Women have greater risk since their bones are lighter, thinner, and they live longer. Men, too, may get osteoporosis.
Family history
You may be more prone to develop osteoporosis if your parents or grandparents have had it or show signs of it, such as a broken hip after a fall.
Men who have a family history of a grandfather with hip fracture have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, according to a doctoral thesis from Robert Rudäng of the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg.
Bone structure and body weight
Women who have a lower BMI have a higher risk of acquiring osteoporosis. One explanation is that they have less bone mass to lose than women with larger frames and more bodyweight. Similarly, slender, small-boned men are more vulnerable than guys with broader frames and higher body weight.
Broken bones
Your bones may be weaker if you’ve had previous fractures.
Ethnicity
According to research, Caucasian and Asian women are more prone to develop osteoporosis than women of other ethnic origins. Caucasian women are almost twice as likely as African-American women to have hip fractures.
Certain diseases
Some diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, increase your risks of developing osteoporosis.
Some medications
Certain prescription medications, such as long-term use of steroids like prednisone, may potentially increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.
Smoking
It is harmful to your bones. Work with your doctor to stop this habit as soon as possible to reduce your chance of osteoporosis and fractures, as well as a variety of other health issues.
Alcohol
Heavy drinking may cause bone weakening and increase the risk of fractures. If you are a heavy alcohol drinker and growing in age, it is better to consume the drink less each time. It will not only lower your chance of contracting osteoporosis, but it can improve your physical and mental well being.
Not only does alcohol harm bones, but it also increases the risk of falling. Heavy alcohol consumption affects gait and balance, making a fall more likely. A fall in combination with weak bones often results in a bone fracture.
Sources
- https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/osteoporosis-risk-factors
- National Osteoporosis Foundation: “Prevention: Who’s at Risk?"
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: “Osteoporosis."
- National Institute on Aging: “Osteoporosis: The Bone Thief."
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: “Prevention: Who’s at Risk?"