What is Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease characterised by reduced bone density and bone deterioration that makes the bones fragile and more susceptible to fractures. Osteoporosis translates to “porous bone” and occurs when bone creation cannot keep up with bone loss. It is a silent disease, as it typically has no symptoms until a fracture occurs.

Osteoporosis impacts over 900,000 Australians. One in three women and one in five men experience an osteoporotic fracture - caused by weak bones - during their lifetime. Diagnosis typically occurs after menopause for women and after age 70 for men. However, the foundation for bone health is built throughout life, and preventive strategies are critical for all adults.

The condition primarily affects the spine, hips and wrists. Fractures in these areas can cause significant reductions in mobility and quality of life. Hip fractures are particularly concerning - 20% of people die within the first year following a hip fracture, and many more have significant mobility and independence loss. Prevention and early detection can help slow bone loss and significantly reduce the risk of fractures.

Risk Factors

Age is the primary non-modifiable risk factor due to natural decline after peak bone mass around age 30. Gender influences risk, with women experiencing accelerated bone loss after menopause due to reduced estrogen levels. Family history of osteoporosis or fragility fractures also increases individual risk.

Hormonal factors such as early menopause, irregular periods, low testosterone in men and thyroid disorders increase risk.

Medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and eating disorders are also associated with osteoporosis.

Lifestyle factors such as inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, poor nutrition and a lack of weight-bearing physical activity e.g. muscle-strengthening exercises. Being underweight and overweight can affect bone health.

Risk factors

Understanding the factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis is the first step towards prevention and management.

Non-Modifiable Risks

Age is the primary non-modifiable risk factor due to natural decline after peak bone mass around age 30. Gender influences risk, with women experiencing accelerated bone loss after menopause due to reduced Estrogen levels. Family history of osteoporosis or fragility fractures also increases individual risk.

Medical & Hormonal Factors

Hormonal factors such as early menopause, irregular periods, low testosterone in men and thyroid disorders increase risk. Medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and eating disorders are also associated with osteoporosis.

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors such as inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, poor nutrition and a lack of weight-bearing physical activity e.g. muscle-strengthening exercises. Being underweight and overweight can affect bone health.

Impact of TENSH Habits

Physical Activity

Physical activity is fundamental for building and maintaining bone density. Muscle-strengthening exercises are critical for stimulating bone formation and improving muscle mass and strength. Maintaining functional strength during aging helps to maintain independence and allows people to continue exercising and maintaining bone density.

Sugar & Saturated Fat

Managing added sugar and saturated fat intake supports bone health by delivering essential nutrients and maintaining a healthy body weight. Excessive sugar intake affects calcium availability by increasing calcium excretion. Adequate intake of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (not saturated fats) supports vitamin D absorption and hormone production for bone health.

Sedentary Behaviour

Sedentary behaviour accelerates bone loss. Regular movement throughout the day helps maintain mechanical stress on bones and supports musculoskeletal health. Light activities such as standing and walking are sufficient to provide loading on bones.

Fruit and Vegetable Intake

Fruit and vegetable intake provides essential nutrients for bone health, including vitamin K, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C. These nutrients support bone formation and help combat acids that can cause calcium loss from bones. A sufficient intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with higher bone density.

Managing Alcohol Intake

Excessive alcohol intake interferes with bone growth and replacement, leading to reduced bone density. Emerging evidence suggests a greater impact on the hip and the spine.

Mindfulness practices

Mindfulness and controlled breathing can help manage pain from osteoarthritic fractures and improve adherence to other bone-healthy habits, such as regular physical activity and a balanced diet.

Quality Sleep

Quality sleep supports bone health as key hormones for bone growth and repair (including growth hormone) are released during deep sleep.

Impact on the Workplace

Osteoporosis impacts the workplace through absenteeism and presenteeism due to fracture recovery and treatment. Osteoporotic fractures require extended recovery due to slower recovery times. Workers may return with reduced physical capacity, which can impact their performance in physically demanding tasks and roles.

Osteoporosis can increase workers' compensation costs for fall-related claims due to longer recovery durations and increased complications. There is also an increased likelihood of workers not returning to work and early retirement.

Workplaces can support workers with osteoporosis awareness, including offering bone density scans for at-risk individuals. Accommodations include ergonomic desks and computer setups, as well as workstations and task assessments. Workplaces must also comply with duties to minimise fall risk, repetitive stress injuries and other injuries. While these are important for all workers, they are especially essential for workers with osteoporosis, due to the increased recovery times and potential capacity loss.

Osteoporosis