What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?

The risk factors for osteoporosis include

1. Race
   While men and women of all races can develop osteoporosis, you're at greatest risk of osteoporosis if you're white or of Asian descent [1].
2. Sex
   Women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than are men. Estrogen helps the body maintain healthy bones. Declines in estrogen levels during and after menopause can accelerate women’s bone loss [2].
3. Alcohol
   Heavy alcohol consumption compromises bone health and increases the risk of osteoporosis. In particular, heavy alcohol use decreases bone density and weakens bones’ mechanical properties [3].
4. Lack of sunlight
   Sunlight is the best natural source of Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps our bodies to process calcium effectively and is essential for healthy bones [4].
5. Smoker
6. Dietary (too much salt and caffeine)
7. Sedentary lifestyle
8. Chronic medications (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis etc)
9. Lack of dairy products

References:

1. Osteoporosis - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published 2019. ‌

2. Health D. Osteoporosis Risk Factors at UC San Diego Health. UC Health - UC San Diego. Published 2019. ‌

3. Alcohol and Other Factors Affecting Osteoporosis Risk in Women. Nih.gov. Published 2019.

4. The National Osteoporosis Society launches sunlight campaign to boost vitamin D levels in summer months | International Osteoporosis Foundation. Iofbonehealth.org. Published 2012. ‌