How Does a Sedentary Lifestyle Affect the Risk for Osteoporosis?

Most people associate the highest risk for osteoporosis as a diet low in calcium. While this issue does greatly increase the chances of getting the disease, a sedentary lifestyle also dangerously raises the risk of getting osteoporosis.

Confirmation

• According to the Hughston Health Alert, people who lead a sedentary lifestyle are at increased risk to suffer from osteoporosis.

Exercise History

• The level of exercise a person gets throughout his life affects his chance for developing osteoporosis. The Mayo Clinic reports that children who are not physically active do not have the same bone density as active children. This makes them more likely to get osteoporosis as an adult.

Expert Insight

• The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases tells visitors to their website that bones need exercise to become stronger, just as muscles do.

Aerobic Exercise

• Even simple exercises such as walking, dancing and stair-climbing can help prevent bone loss.

Weight-Bearing Exercise

• Weight-bearing exercises, also called resistance exercises, also play an important part in fighting off osteoporosis. Examples of this kind of exercise include using free weights or resistance bands.