Seven common myths about osteoporosis and bone health, explained by Dr. Deborah Sellmeyer, a bone health expert.

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and porous. It affects tens of millions of people every year, especially those over the age of 50. While osteoporosis and the fractures it causes are more likely to occur with age, they are not inevitable. Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and undergoing bone density tests. Although women are more likely to develop osteoporosis, men can also be affected. Specifically, 20% of non-Hispanic white men over the age of 50 in the United States will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. Building bone mass at a young age is crucial, with about 90% of bone mass acquired by age 18 in women and age 20 in men. Therefore, developing good nutritional and exercise habits early on is important for preventing osteoporosis later in life. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that can lead to hip fractures, with approximately 25% of people dying within 6 to 12 months after a hip fracture. Osteoporosis often has no noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs, making regular bone density tests essential. While osteoporosis cannot be completely cured, medications can increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.