Other lifestyle factors

• Smoking: Smokers lose bone more rapidly than nonsmokers. Among 80 year olds, smokers have up to 10% lower bone mineral density, which translates into twice the risk of spinal fractures and a 50% increase in risk of hip fracture. Fractures heal slower in smokers, and are more apt to heal improperly.
• Drink alcohol in moderation: Excessive alcohol has been associated with osteoporosis due to the degenerative metabolic effects of alcohol. Alcohol excess may inhibit calcium absorption and bone formation.
• Medication: Use of some medications, such as corticosteroids (often used for asthma, arthritis and kidney disease) and anticonvulsants, can accelerate the onset of osteoporosis.
• Ensure a healthy body weight: Being underweight is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Stay within a healthy weight for your height.
• Vitamin D from sunlight: Recommended sun exposure of 15 minutes a day to your hands and face will help your body make vitamin D. Avoid overexposure to the sun.
• Eating disorders: Extreme thinness is a risk factor for osteoporosis. The onset of anorexia nervosa frequently occurs during puberty, the time of life when maximal bone mass accrual occurs, thereby putting adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa at high risk for reduced peak bone mass.
• Avoid too much exercise: Women and teenage girls who exercise to an extreme degree can develop amenorrhea (cessation of menstruation) due to estrogen deficiency. Estrogen deficiency in younger women contributes to bone loss, in much the same way that estrogen deficiency after menopause does.
• Both male and female athletes who practice excessive exercise without adequate caloric intake are at heightened risk of osteoporosis. Athletes who train hard while trying to keep their weight below a certain level for competitive reasons are at particularly high risk.

Celebrities speak out

“I was first confronted with osteoporosis when my mother was diagnosed with it. The impact of osteoporosis nationally and globally, is quite incredible. I have two young girls, and I am extremely aware that what they eat and the way that they behave now – what they put into their bones now is going to have an effect on them later on. It’s move it or lose it – you need to exercise!” Trudie Goodwin became famous for playing Sergeant June Ackland on the popular UK TV series "The Bill"