Find Out More: Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break.

It develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden bump causes a bone to break (This is called a fracture). Bones with osteoporosis are not as dense as  normal bones.   

Some people think bones with osteoporosis look like an aero! 

Breaks that happen due to osteoporosis are commonly in the wrist, hips or spine. This is because these are our main weight-bearing bones. However, breaks can also happen in other bones, such as in the arm or pelvis. Sometimes a very small cough or sneeze can cause a broken rib or the partial collapse of one of the bones of the spine.

Who's affected by osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis affects over 3 million people in the UK. More than 500,000 people receive hospital treatment for fragility fractures (bones that break after falling from standing height or less) every year as a result of osteoporosis.

Some people are more at risk than others. Looking after your bone health is important.

Osteoporosis can be treated with bone strengthening medicines. It is also very important to keep your bones healthy and reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis.

Bone loss before osteoporosis (osteopenia)

The stage before osteoporosis is called osteopenia. This is when a bone density scan shows you have lower bone density than the average for your age, but not low enough to be classed as osteoporosis.

Osteopenia does not always lead to osteoporosis. It depends on many factors.