The Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

An estimated 10 million people in the United States suffer from osteoporosis, a disease known as the "silent thief" because it weakens bones with few symptoms but debilitating consequences. About 34 million more Americans are at risk of developing the disease, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Knowing about risk factors and helpful lifestyle changes can prevent the serious effects associated with osteoporosis, such as disfigurement, disability and, in rare cases, death.

Diet

• A diet rich in calcium is important in preventing osteoporosis.

  Low levels of calcium and vitamin D in the body can lead to osteoporosis. Calcium is essential for building and maintaining strong bones, while vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Each day, the body loses calcium through hair, skin, urine and nails. When more calcium is lost than is absorbed, bones weaken, become fragile and are more prone to fracture. Losing just 50 to 100 milligrams of calcium from the body each day---less than half of the calcium in a glass of milk---is enough over time to trigger osteoporosis, according to the Office of the Surgeon General's Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis.

Lifestyle

• Smoking weakens bones, boosting the risk of osteoporosis.

  Excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine elevates the risk of osteoporosis. More than two alcoholic drinks or four cups of coffee or cola each day could interfere with the body's absorption of calcium, thereby weakening bones and increasing the likelihood of a serious fracture, according to Osteoporosis Canada, a charitable, educational support group. Avoiding tobacco, which contributes to bone loss, is crucial--as is exercising. Walking, running, jumping, dancing or weightlifting help to build bone mass and strong bones.

Medications

• Long-term use of some medications is damaging to bones.

  Prolonged use of some medications is known to damage bones. These include anticoagulants (heparin), anticonvulsants, chemotherapy drugs, lithium, cyclosporine A and tacrolimus (drugs to prevent organ rejection), and corticosteroids. Corticosteroids, often used to treat chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, are especially damaging. As little as 2.5 milligrams to 7.5 milligrams of prednisone, a common corticosteroid, can lead to an increase in fractures, according to the Office of the Surgeon General's Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis.

Diseases and Conditions

• Some medical conditions and diseases can interfere with the body's ability to absorb calcium. Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, hyperparathyroidism, Cushing's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are known to increase the risk of osteoporosis. Weight loss-surgeries, stomach surgeries, anorexia nervosa and menopause also are risk factors. In particular, low levels of estrogen in women during menopause and low testosterone levels in men cause rapid bone loss.

Gender and Age

• The risk of osteoporosis increases with age.

  About 80 percent of Americans who have osteoporosis are women. Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from osteoporosis, the National Osteoporosis Foundation says. Both sexes reach peak bone mass before age 21 and begin to lose this mass in their mid-30s. At greatest risk are men and women with thin, small frames who have little bone mass, and menopausal women. As estrogen levels in women begin to drop during menopause, bone loss accelerates.

Ethnicity and Genetics

• Genetics may increase the chance of developing osteoporosis.

  An estimated 20 percent of non-Hispanic Caucasian and Asian women 50 and older have osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. These groups are at greatest risk of developing osteoporosis, while black and Hispanic women have a lower probability of getting the disease. Similarly, people with a family history of osteoporosis, including broken bones or stooped postures, are at risk.