Experts classify risk factors for osteoporosis into modifiable factors and non-modifiable factors. This means that while some are out of your control or have more to do with your genetics, other factors are habits that can be changed. There is also a range of factors considered to be secondary causes of osteoporosis—all of which are part of your overall risk profile.
1. Lack of Exercise
Not getting enough physical activity can worsen your bone health and cause increased bone density loss (3).
2. Stress
Chronic stress is a risk factor for so many health issues, and that includes osteoporosis (4). Some research, however, indicates that the perception of stress may be more significant than stress in general, so relaxing practices like meditation are always good to include in your daily routine (5).
3. Smoking
Smoking can interfere with bone turnover, which can decrease your bone mass and density (6). Cigarettes can also increase your risk of bone fracture.
4. Drinking
Chronic heavy drinking, including in your younger years, can increase your osteoporosis risk (7). In menopause, heavy alcohol use can lower your bone density and amp up your fracture risk. (This doesn’t mean avoiding drinking altogether! It’s all about balance.)
5. Air Pollution
This factor is lesser-known than others, but long-term exposure to certain types of air pollutants can contribute to bone loss. This is especially true if you’ve been exposed over many years to black carbon—or soot—in the air around you (8).
6. Poor Nutritional Absorption
If your body isn’t getting the nutrition you need, your bone density can suffer. This is especially true when it comes to nutrients like vitamin D and vitamin K (9).
7. Age
As we age, our body loses collagen—one of the key ingredients that make up bone mass. So by the time women turn 50, their body is producing significantly less collagen than it used to. If this isn’t corrected through healthy habits and supplements, it can lead to weaker bones and a higher risk of fractures (10, 11).
8. A History of Falls
If you’ve had a fall within the last year, odds are higher that you’ll have another fall with a risk of bone fracture. In fact, one study indicated that if a postmenopausal woman has fallen at any point in the past 12 months there is a likelihood that she’ll experience a fracture sometime in the next five years (12, 13).
9. Gender
Make no mistake, men do get osteoporosis—and as many as 2.8 million men in America are experiencing osteoporosis right now. However, women are far more likely to develop it. In fact, women over 50 are four times more likely to have the condition than men (14).
10. Previous Fractures
Much like with a history of falling, a history of fractures puts you at risk for more fractures in the future (15).
11. Family History
Research has indicated that your family’s history of osteoporosis can make a huge impact on your personal risk factor. If your mom or grandmother had osteoporosis, it’s more likely that you will, too (16).
12. Existing Health Conditions
Health conditions like chronic liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, dementia, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can all be secondary causes of osteoporosis (17, 18).