Are You at Risk?

There are a variety of factors that can put you at risk for developing osteoporosis.  These include both controllable and uncontrollable factors. It is important to discuss your risk factors with your healthcare provider. Together, you can develop a plan to protect your bones.

A woman’s risk of breaking a hip due to osteoporosis is equal to her risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer combined; a man age 50 or older is more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than he is to get prostate cancer.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors

• Being over age 50. 
• Being Female. 
• Menopause. 
• Family History. 
• Low Body Weight/Being Small and Thin. 
• Broken Bones or Height Loss.

Controllable Risk Factors

• Not Getting Enough Calcium and Vitamin D.
• Not Eating Enough Fruits and Vegetables.
  
• Getting Too Much Protein, Sodium and Caffeine.
  
• Having an Inactive Lifestyle.
  
• Smoking. 
• Drinking too much alcohol.
  
• Losing Weight.

There are also medications and diseases that can cause bone loss and increase your risk of osteoporosis.