List Of Risk Factors For Osteoporosis

Anne Kolker • MS, Registered Dietitian • Jun 13, 2012

The National Osteoporosis Foundation says that one in two women and one in eight men over 50 will have an osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime. Thirty-three percent of women over 65 will experience a fracture of the spine and as many as 20% of hip fracture patients die within 6 months from conditions caused by lack of activity such as blood clots and pneumonia.

You may be wondering why we have osteoporosis listed in this section. The reason is that it can be prevented by building strong bones. Strong bones are built during childhood by getting enough calcium, vitamin D and weight bearing exercise.

Take care of your children's bones. Learn more about:

Who Is At Risk For Developing Osteoporosis?

Small-framed women, especially Caucasians although Hispanics and African-American women are at risk as well.
Post menopausal women, especially those who experienced early onset of menopause.
People with a family history of osteoporosis – in particular if one’s mother has fallen from a hip fracture.
Although more women suffer from osteoporosis, 20% of men suffer as well. This is particularly true for men over 75.
The elderly.
People who have had years of low calcium intake and/or very low weight bearing exercise.