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Risk Factors
From the National Institutes of Health's Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases — National Resource Center
Certain risk factors are linked to the development of osteoporosis and contribute to an individual's likelihood of developing the disease. Many people with osteoporosis have several risk factors, but others who develop the disease have no known risk factors. There are some you cannot change and others you can.
Risk Factors You Cannot Change
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Gender — Women get osteoporosis more often than men.
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Age — The older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.
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Body size — Small, thin women are at greater risk.
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Ethnicity — White and Asian women are at highest risk. Black and Hispanic women have a lower risk.
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Family history — Osteoporosis tends to run in families. If a family member has osteoporosis or breaks a bone, there is a greater chance that you will too.
Other Risk Factors
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Sex hormones — Low estrogen levels due to missing menstrual periods or to menopause can cause osteoporosis in women. Low testosterone levels can bring on osteoporosis in men.
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Anorexia nervosa — This eating disorder can lead to osteoporosis.
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Calcium and vitamin D intake — A diet low in calcium and vitamin D makes you more prone to bone loss.
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Medication use — Some medicines increase the risk of osteoporosis.
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Activity level — Lack of exercise or long-term bed rest can cause weak bones.
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Cigarette smoking — Cigarettes are bad for bones, the heart and lungs.
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Drinking alcohol — Too much alcohol can cause bone loss and broken bones.
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