Osteoporosis risk factors: Are you at risk?

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, increasing the risk of sudden and unexpected fractures. The term literally means "porous bone", and the disease results in an increased loss of bone mass and strength. Osteoporosis often progresses without any symptoms or pain.

What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?

Important risk factors for osteoporosis include:

• Age. After maximum bone density and strength is reached (generally around age 30), bone mass begins to decline naturally with age.
• Gender. Women over the age of 50 have the greatest risk of developing osteoporosis. In fact, women are four times more likely than men to develop it. Women's lighter, thinner bones and longer life spans are part of the reason they have a higher risk.
• Ethnicity. Research shows that Caucasian and Asian women are more likely to develop osteoporosis. Additionally, hip fractures are twice as likely to occur in Caucasian women as in African or African-Caribbean women.
• Bone structure and body weight. Petite and thin women have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis. One reason is that they have less bone to lose than women with more body weight and larger frames. Similarly, small-boned, thin men are at greater risk than men with larger frames and more body weight.
• Family history. Heredity is one of the most important risk factors for osteoporosis. If your parents or grandparents have had any signs of osteoporosis, such as a fractured hip after a minor fall, you may be at greater risk of developing the disease.
• Prior history of fracture or bone breakage.
• Certain medications. The use of some medications, for instance the long term use of steroids (such as prednisolone), can also increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.