Facts on Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, which literally means "porous bone", is a disease in which the density and quality of bone are reduced. As the bones become more porous and fragile, the risk of fracture is greatly increased. The loss of bone occurs "silently" and progressively. Often there are no symptoms until the first fracture occurs. Fractures are a major cause of pain and disability, and are even associated with a high mortality rate, particularly in elderly people who have suffered hip fractures.
For detailed information about osteoporosis go to the 'patients and public section' of the website or, for more detail, to the 'health professionals' section.
For referenced general facts, prevalence and impact information as well as specific regional statistics, see the IOF compilation of statistics and facts about osteoporosis
Download quick fact sheets:
- General Fact Sheet (PDF, 1.21 MB)
- Exercise Fact sheet (PDF, 48.1 KB)
- Risk Factors Fact Sheet - English (PDF, 192.9 KB), French (PDF, 735 KB), Arabic (PDF, 713.6 KB)
- Nutrition Fact sheet - English (PDF, 85.5 KB)
- Nutrition Fact sheet - French (PDF, 456.9 KB)
- Adherence fact sheet (PDF, 1.3 MB)
