Osteoporosis Affects 50% Of Women And 1 In 8 Men; What Is It, And Are You At Risk?

By Vikki Scovell

I want to talk about osteoporosis, a condition which affects up to 50% of women by older age. But women are not alone, although it is often thought of as a women’s disease, 1 in 8 men will develop this condition; a 13% chance, and this rate appears to be increasing; possibly because of greater intake of alcohol and tobacco. Three million of the seven million women in the UK over the age of 60 will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis, and more women die of complications arising from an osteoporotic fracture than die of ovarian, uterine and cervical cancer put together. This is clearly an issue that we should understand more about.

Osteoporosis occurs when bone tissue deteriorates, leaving fragile bones which are vulnerable to fractures, especially of the hip, spine and wrist. As part of the natural process of bone health, old tissue is cleaned away and replaced with new tissue; osteoporosis occurs when more bone is removed than is replaced. After the age of 35 women lose 1% of their bone mass each year, accelerating to 3-5% after the menopause, with 50% of women with osteoporosis 10 years post menopause. Men also lose about .5% of their bone mass each year, and this is responsible for their loss in height as they age. I do not need to explain the extreme pain and danger of a bone injury, along with the long process of rehabilitation; devastating on a strong young person, and potentially life-threatening to older adults. A fracture is often the first step to the loss of independence for the older person; one in four women and one in 20 men will fracture a hip, resulting in hospitalization, infection, failing health, with nearly 50% unable to walk unassisted again, and 20% tragically dying within several months. This is a shocking statistic; more-so because this disease is highly preventable and treatable. Unfortunately only a tiny percentage of men and women at risk are receiving adequate treatment, which could prevent this horrifying state of affairs.

So who is at risk of developing osteoporosis? As with all conditions, a mixture of genetic and environmental factors can play a part in developing this disease, but people with a family history of osteoporosis are at a greater risk. Also at risk are women who have an early menopause, hysterectomy, breast cancer, have endured heavy dieting, eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, or infrequent periods. Men and women are at greater risk if they are inactive, smoke or drink heavily, have had long term use of corticosteroids, arthritis, or previous fractures.

A huge problem with osteoporosis is that it usually hidden until the sufferer actually breaks a bone. There are few early signs and symptoms, and so many people continue everyday life feeling well, and unaware that they are developing or have developed this disease until they fracture a bone. If you fall into one or more of the risk factor groups it is wise to discuss osteoporosis with your GP. It is possible to have a bone scan which will estimate risk, and as they say, being forewarned is being forearmed; if you are at risk or have osteoporosis there are lots of positive things that you can do to lessen your risk, or improve your prospects. To read how to prevent this condition, or how to manage it post-diagnosis visit www.getfitter.net to read 'Osteoporosis; the preventable disease- Reduce your risk Today.'

Vikki Scovell BA(hons) PG DIP is a fully qualified Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach. She is a qualified Nutrition Adviser and runs successful Community Exercise classes. Vikki is a consultant in Healthy Eating and Exercise initiatives to schools in the independent sector and publishes School and General Healthy Living newsletters. Vikki lives in Bristol in the U.K. with her partner Jeremy and two young children. For any enquiries contact Vikki at http://www.getfitter.net
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