Author Question: What are the biological and modifiable risk factors for developing ... (Read 47 times)

vinney12 · **on:** Aug 20, 2018

What are the biological and modifiable risk factors for developing osteoporosis?

Question 2

What is osteoporosis, and how does it develop?

joshbk44 · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 20, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Biological factors:
Sex: Women at greater risk due to low estrogen levels after menopause and overall smaller body size
Age: Bone loss increases with age, especially in women
Body size: Small people have lower peak bone mass; BMI < 19 kg/m2 are at increased risk
Ethnicity: Northern European or Asian descent are at greatest risk
Lifestyle factors:
Smoking: Smoking increases risk
Some medications: Thyroid medications, diuretics, corticosteroids increase risk
Low circulating estrogen concentration: Low estrogen levels increase risk
History of eating disorder: Low body fat leads to low estrogen levels and poor dietary intake increases risk
Alcohol consumption: Chronic alcoholism increases risk
Physical inactivity: Lack of weight-bearing exercise increases risk
Nutritional factors: Poor diet lacking in nutrients needed for healthy bones increases risk

Answer to Question 2

There are two types of osteoporosis: type 1 and type 2 . Type 1 osteoporosis (postmenopausal osteoporosis) typically occurs in women between 50 and 60 years of age and is linked to declining estrogen concentrations that occur in at menopause. It dramatically affects trabecular bone. Type 2 osteoporosis occurs in both men and women, tends to be diagnosed later in life (70 to 75 years of age), and is a result of breakdown of both cortical and trabecular bone. It develops due to a combination of dietary and age-related factors. With either form, people can lose significant height during old age and experience severe pain, especially in the spine.