Which is a major risk factor for osteoporosis?

Which is a major risk factor for osteoporosis?

• A. Aging
• B. Regular weight-bearing exercise
• C. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake
• D. Male sex

Answer: (A)

Age-related loss of bone density is a key factor that raises the risk of osteoporosis. As we age, the balance between bone building and bone breakdown shifts toward breakdown, so peak bone mass attained in youth becomes relatively lower and the bone becomes thinner and more porous over time. In women, the drop in estrogen after menopause accelerates this loss, but aging itself is a major risk factor for everyone. This is why aging is the best answer: it reflects the non-modifiable, progressive aspect of bone weakening that underlies osteoporosis. In contrast, regular weight-bearing exercise and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake help protect bone health and reduce risk, while being male generally corresponds to a lower risk compared with the commonly affected group of older women.

Age-related loss of bone density is a key factor that raises the risk of osteoporosis. As we age, the balance between bone building and bone breakdown shifts toward breakdown, so peak bone mass attained in youth becomes relatively lower and the bone becomes thinner and more porous over time. In women, the drop in estrogen after menopause accelerates this loss, but aging itself is a major risk factor for everyone.

This is why aging is the best answer: it reflects the non-modifiable, progressive aspect of bone weakening that underlies osteoporosis. In contrast, regular weight-bearing exercise and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake help protect bone health and reduce risk, while being male generally corresponds to a lower risk compared with the commonly affected group of older women.