High risk factors for osteoporosis

Certain types of people, such as older women, are more likely to get osteoporosis; being white or Asian also heightens the risk. Factors like age and sex are beyond anyone's control, but there are many lifestyle factors that you can adjust to reduce your risk.

• Sometimes, certain populations are just more at risk for a disease, but knowing the dangers can help people prepare and do what they can to prevent illness.
• Older women are at higher risk because they are smaller and lose bone more quickly due to hormone changes. Plus, bones become thinner as they get older and women tend to live longer than men.
• While older men are at less risk than older women, their bones are still thinner and more easily breakable than younger men's bones.
• White and Asian women are the most vulnerable group for osteoporosis because their bones  are lower in mass and density than women from other races.
• Both males and females who are small carry higher risks. This is because they have less bone mass. Therefore, as they get older and lose bone mass, they have less to draw from.

• If you've fractured your hip after you turned 50, you are at higher risk of osteoporosis.
• Even a family history of hip fractures puts you at higher risk.
• You are also more vulnerable to osteoporosis if close family members such as parents or brothers and sisters have been afflicted.

• Unhealthy diets are frequently low in calcium and calcium is necessary for building strong bones.
• Vitamin D is also important because it aids with the absorption of calcium.
• Sugar and diet drinks also weaken bones.

• Bones are like muscles; they need to be worked to become stronger.
• Aim to start walking at least 30 minutes a day.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator and move five to 10 minutes for every hour you spend sitting or lounging in bed.

• Smoking and medication can lead to the leaching of bone mass.
• Also, female smokers produce less estrogen.
• Talk to your physician about any medications you are on that may decrease bone mass.

• People with anorexia take in less nutrition, meaning not enough calcium.
• Menstruation may also stop in women with eating disorders and that leads to weaker bones as well.

• In addition, hormonal issues may put you more at risk for osteoporosis.
• Sometimes they can be treated. For example, drops in oestrogen during menopause affect women, and doctors may be able to help in some cases.
• Thyroid hormones can also lead to loss of bone mass, particularly in cases where the thyroid is overactive.