Osteoporosis risk factors which can be changed

  • Excessive alcohol intake: drinking more than 2 units of alcohol per day
  • Smoking: smoking almost doubles the risk of hip fracture
  • Being underweight with a BMI below 19
  • Poor nutrition: a diet rich in calcium, protein, fruits and vegetables benefits bone health
  • Low dietary calcium intake: with age the ability to absorb calcium decreases
  • Vitamin D deficiency: not getting enough sunlight
  • Inactivity: lack of exercise causes bone and muscle loss
  • Frequent falls mean a higher risk of a fracture

Osteoporosis risk factors which can not be changed

  • Age: older people are more likely to have osteoporosis; around 75% of fractures happen in people 65 and over.
  • Gender: women are more likely to have osteoporosis than men
  • Family history: your risk is greater if your parents had osteoporosis or a broken hip
  • Previous fracture: this could indicate you have osteoporosis
  • Menopause/hysterectomy: oestrogen helps to protect bones, after menopause or a hysterectomy women lost bone at a faster rate
  • Medications: certain medications have side effects linked to osteoporosis or fractures List of medications
  • Other diseases: may weaken bones and increase fractures List of diseases

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