Important Risk Factor for Osteoporosis

The most important risk factor for osteoporosis is advanced age. This is due to the fact that as we age, our bodies become less efficient in maintaining the balanced cycle of bone resorption and formation. Although it can happen to both sexes, females are more susceptible to it. Menopause, which causes estrogen deficiency, plays a major role in the reduction of the mineral density of the bone.

Researches have also shown that race is a risk factor for osteoporosis, with Asians and Caucasians being the most susceptible. Those with Asian and Caucasian ancestry are more prone to have osteoporosis than others. There is also an increased risk for those who have a family history of the disease. Heritability is quite high, between 25 and 80 percent.

Osteoporosis can be acquired through an unhealthy lifestyle. Excessive alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, excessive caffeine consumption, excessive soft drink consumption, exposure to heavy metals and high protein consumption can increase the risk of osteoporosis. These foods and activities introduce chemicals to the body which either prevent calcium (the main component of the bone) absorption or promote the excretion of calcium.

Lack of exercise as well as excessive exercise are also very big risk factors. Without exercise, bone remodeling, which is dependent on physical activity, is slow. Physical inactivity leads to bone loss. Excessive exercise, on the other hand, increases the risk of damage to the bone structure. It has almost the same effects as physical inactivity.