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Osteoporosis

Our bones are living tissue that give our body structure, allow us to move and protect our organs. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become thin and  lose their strength. This can lead to fractures, which cause pain and make everyday activities extremely difficult. After a hip fracture, about one-quarter of people die or never walk again. 

It’s estimated over 200 million women have osteoporosis. That’s more than the combined populations of the Germany, the United Kingdom and France.

Worldwide, one in three women and one in five men over the age of fifty will experience an osteoporotic fracture.

In fact, every three seconds a bone will break, somewhere in the world, because of this disease.

Many people won’t know they have osteoporosis until their first fracture, which is why it’s called the ‘silent disease’. Even after a break, it often goes untreated.

The good news is osteoporosis can be diagnosed and treated and fractures often prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and appropriate medication for those in need.
 

Our Bone Health Advocates

Juliet Compston, former IOF board member

Since a first fracture is rapidly followed by more fractures, it is critical that healthcare policies promote the detection of osteoporosis before the first fracture occurs. 

Rita Süssmuth, leading German politician

As health minister I came in contact with people affected from osteoporosis. It’s not sufficient to listen to them but to do more. We have to make a change, so I urge policy makers to take action on osteoporosis! It’s really important to eat a balanced diet and exercise. Move it or lose it!

Karen Mok, actress and singer

A lot of women have the misconception that being skinny is beautiful and they go on unnecessary diets and sacrifice their bone health. I think what we should do is actually to eat healthily in order to prevent osteoporosis. I make sure that my family eats properly with a high intake of calcium and vitamin D, which are important in building and maintaining strong bones. Bone Appétit!