Who gets osteoporosis?

Who gets osteoporosis? Both men and women develop osteoporosis.  Yes, while women over age 50 face a 4 time higher risk, both men and women can face osteoporosis.  Risk factors for osteoporosis that we cannot change include: 

·        Heredity  Do your parents and grandparents have osteoporosis? 

·        Age   Our best bone quality happens around age 30 and then it declines.

·        Body weight and size.  Thin and petite people face a higher risk because their bones are usually smaller and their smaller size means less weight (less demand) on their bones.

·        Gender  As I mentioned, women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.

·        Ethnicity  Caucasian and Asian women face an increased risk of osteoporosis. 

·        Diseases  For example, rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of osteoporosis. 

·        Eating disorders  Anorexia/bulimia disorders contribute to poor nutrition and osteoporosis.