6 WAYS TO BEAT BONE LOSS

OSTEOPOROSIS IS one of the most common bone-related conditions, with 200 million people affected worldwide. In the US and UK, approximately 30 per cent of post-menopausal women have osteoporosis, with many more having osteopenia. Osteopenia is defined as having lower than normal bone mineral density and can be a marker of progression towards osteoporosis. Osteoporosis occurs when bone density drops significantly below that of healthy bone. Diagnosis is made using a bone density scan with bones given a mineral density score. Osteo (meaning ‘bones’) and porosis (meaning ‘porous’) perfectly describes the condition, which feature a honeycomb of pits and holes compared to dense, healthy bone. This low density weakens bones, leading to the risk of fracture. The bones most commonly affected are those of the hips, spine, wrists and shoulders.

BONE LOSS CAUSES

Although a family history of osteoporosis is a risk factor, it is not a forgone conclusion. As you age, the process of bone breakdown is much faster than bone building, creating the risk that bone density may fall over