Home » What is Osteoporosis?

What is Osteoporosis? Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors & Prevention

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones progressively lose their internal strength and density, making them more susceptible to fracture. It is frequently called the ‘silent condition’ because it develops without pain or warning — and for many people, a fracture is the first sign that anything is wrong.

The good news is that osteoporosis is both detectable and treatable. Early identification through a structured bone health assessment can significantly reduce fracture risk and help preserve mobility, independence, and quality of life for decades. This page covers the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and evidence-based approaches to prevention and treatment.

Osteoporosis can occur at any age and may be associated with underlying medical, hormonal, nutritional, or lifestyle factors, including low body weight, eating disorders, chronic disease, and certain medical treatments.

For this reason, a comprehensive assessment is essential to identify the underlying drivers of bone loss rather than relying on bone density results alone. Learn more about how osteoporosis is diagnosed.

520K+

Fractures in the UK Annually
From osteoporotic bone fragility

1 in 3

Women Over 50 Affected
The most commonly affected group

1 in 5

Men Over 50 Affected
Often underdiagnosed in men

8–12%

Annual BMD Improvement
Achievable with the BoneRevive® Programme at LOC

Osteoporosis occurs when the spokes of the trabecular bone lattice become thin and break. Although osteoporosis usually affects the whole skeleton, the most common fragility fractures occur in the wrist, spine, and hip.

Banner graphic from a World Osteoporosis Day feature.

Your bones are constantly renewed — new bone is made, and old bone is broken down. When young, your body makes new bone faster than it breaks down old bone and increases bone mass. Most people reach their peak bone mass by their early 30s. As we age, bone mass is lost faster than it’s created. How likely you are to develop osteoporosis depends partly on how much bone mass you attained in your youth. The higher your peak bone mass, the more bone you have “in the bank”, and the less likely you are to develop osteoporosis as you age.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors (Things you cannot change):

Ageing and menopause (particularly early menopause)
Sex (women are at higher risk, though men are also affected)
Family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture
Genetic predisposition

Modifiable Risk Factors (Things you can change):

Low body weight or eating disorders
Sedentary lifestyle and low weight-bearing activity
Low vitamin D and calcium intake
Smoking and excess alcohol consumption
Long-term steroid use (Learn about musculoskeletal conditions and bone health)
Inflammatory conditions (including arthritis)

A formal bone health assessment, including a DXA scan and FRAX fracture risk calculation, is the most accurate way to determine individual risk. If you have any of the risk factors outlined—particularly a family history of fragility fractures, early menopause, or a history of long-term steroid use—proactive evaluation is strongly recommended. Many fractures are completely preventable when risk is identified and managed early.

Osteoporosis usually has no symptoms in its early stages.
When bone strength declines significantly, signs may include:

• Back pain from vertebral fractures
• Loss of height over time
• Stooped or hunched posture
• Fractures occurring more easily than expected (even from routine activity)

Read more about osteoporosis symptoms.

Preventing osteoporosis begins with a proactive, long-term approach to bone health. This includes maintaining adequate vitamin D, engaging in regular weight-bearing and strength exercise, optimising nutrition, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol.

Regular, moderate outdoor activity supports both Vitamin D synthesis through sunlight exposure and the weight-bearing stimulus that bone remodelling requires. For bone health specifically, the evidence supports at least 150 minutes of weight-bearing or resistance activity per week — a standard aligned with NHS physical activity guidelines and supported by clinical research in osteoporosis prevention.

At the London Osteoporosis Clinic, our focus is on identifying underlying causes of bone loss and supporting measurable improvements in bone density and overall musculoskeletal health through tailored clinical guidance and monitoring. Explore our medically guided therapeutic exercise classes.

Bone density can be supported through appropriate medical assessment, targeted nutrition, weight-bearing exercise, and long-term lifestyle optimisation.

At the London Osteoporosis Clinic, patients undergoing the consultant-led BoneRevive® Programme achieve an average 8–12% annual improvement in bone mineral density — a clinically significant change that moves many patients from the osteoporosis to the osteopenia range within two years. This is not a passive process: it requires a structured, anabolic-first clinical pathway with regular DXA monitoring, tailored medical treatment where indicated, and therapeutic exercise and nutritional support.

Other foundational methods include ensuring that you consume enough vitamin D and calcium in your diet. It is also advisable to abstain from smoking and to limit alcohol consumption to support active bone formation.

Learn more about the BoneRevive® Programme or book a consultant-led assessment.

If you suspect that you or a family member may be at risk of osteoporosis or have already been diagnosed with the condition, it’s essential to understand that life with osteoporosis does not have to mean a loss of independence.

Fracture Risk in Daily Life
Many patients ask if they can still exercise, carry shopping, or play with their grandchildren. Appropriately supervised physical activity is actively beneficial, not dangerous. Building structural support around the bones protects them.

Falls Prevention
There is a strong relationship between falls risk and fracture risk. One in three adults over 65 falls each year. Targeted balance, strength, and posture work reduces falls risk substantially.

Emotional Impact
A diagnosis of osteoporosis is frequently associated with anxiety, loss of confidence in movement, and social withdrawal. Our clinical team provides ongoing support to help rebuild your confidence alongside your bone health.

Monitoring and Treatment
Living well with osteoporosis involves regular DXA scans at appropriate intervals to monitor your response to treatment. Osteoporosis treatment options are vast and highly effective, ranging from lifestyle modifications to advanced therapies. You can read more about medication information for osteoporosis here.

Read our latest Osteoporosis Patient Leaflet (PDF) or explore Patient outcomes at LOC to see how proactive management can transform a diagnosis.

Concerned About Your Bone Health?

A consultant-led bone health assessment at the London Osteoporosis Clinic includes clinical history, fracture risk stratification, DXA interpretation, and a personalised bone health plan. No GP referral is required. Most private health insurance policies are accepted.

Book a Consultant Assessment →

+44 (0)20 7193 7867 | Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm | HCA The Shard, London