Osteopenia quietly weakening bones of millions worldwide

A little-known condition called osteopenia is silently affecting millions of people worldwide, weakening bones and increasing the risk of fractures, particularly among older adults and postmenopausal women.

Health experts say the condition, which causes a gradual loss of bone mineral density, often develops without noticeable symptoms and may go undetected until a person suffers a fracture or undergoes a bone density scan.

Around 40 percent of adults globally are estimated to have osteopenia. In the UK alone, low bone density contributes to more than 500,000 fractures every year.

Bones constantly renew themselves through a process known as bone remodeling, in which old bone is broken down and replaced with new bone. During early adulthood, bone loss and bone formation remain balanced, allowing people to reach peak bone mass in their mid-20s to early 30s.

After that, bone loss gradually begins to outpace bone formation, leading to a slow decline in bone density over time.

Ageing remains the biggest risk factor, but experts say several other factors can speed up bone loss.

Among them are hormonal changes, especially the drop in estrogen levels after menopause. Estrogen helps protect bones by slowing their natural breakdown. As a result, about one in every two women over the age of 50 is expected to experience a fragility fracture.

Lifestyle habits can also have a major impact on bone health. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and lack of physical activity are known to weaken bones over time. Poor nutrition, particularly low intake of calcium and vitamin D, can further reduce the body's ability to maintain strong bones.

Certain medications, including long-term use of steroids, and medical conditions such as Crohn’s disease and coeliac disease can also increase the risk by affecting nutrient absorption or hormone levels.

Doctors stress that early detection is key to preventing osteopenia from progressing to osteoporosis, a more severe condition marked by significant bone loss and a much higher risk of fractures.

Bone density is commonly measured using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, a low-dose imaging test that assesses bone strength. A T-score between minus 1.0 and minus 2.5 indicates osteopenia, while a score below minus 2.5 is classified as osteoporosis.

Treatment usually focuses on slowing bone loss and lowering the risk of fractures through lifestyle changes, improved nutrition and, in some cases, medication.

Experts recommend weight-bearing activities such as walking, jogging and dancing, as well as resistance training, to strengthen bones and muscles. Studies have shown that regular exercise can improve bone density and help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Activities such as Tai Chi may also improve balance and muscle strength, lowering the likelihood of falls that can lead to fractures.

Adequate calcium intake and sufficient vitamin D are also considered essential for maintaining healthy bones. Dairy products, leafy green vegetables and fortified foods are among the main dietary sources. Supplements may be advised for people who do not get enough through food.

Not everyone diagnosed with osteopenia requires medication. Doctors often assess an individual's fracture risk based on age, bone density, steroid use and other health factors before deciding on treatment.

For people at higher risk or those who have already suffered a fracture, medicines that slow bone breakdown may be prescribed to help preserve bone strength.

Experts say osteopenia should be viewed as an important warning sign rather than simply an early stage of osteoporosis. With timely diagnosis and appropriate lifestyle changes, many people can slow or even partially reverse bone loss and reduce their risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.

They emphasise that maintaining healthy habits, including regular exercise, a balanced diet and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, remains the most effective way to protect bone health over the long term.

Source: Science Daily