Risk Factors
Worried about developing osteoporosis? One out of every three women aged 50 and above, and one out of every five men, will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. Calculate your risk now and receive personalized prevention tips.
Are you a high-risk individual?
Osteoporosis has several common risk factors. If you have any of the following factors, your bone density may already be decreasing or you may even have osteoporosis:
Postmenopausal Women
Postmenopausal or early menopausal women should be more vigilant and pay attention to their bone health. The decrease in hormones can accelerate bone loss and affect bone density.
Advancing Age
Generally, bone loss occurs with age, especially in women who experience faster bone loss after menopause.
Low Body Weight
If your BMI is below 19, it is considered underweight. The reason could be a lack of nutrition in your daily diet, especially nutrients related to bone health such as calcium, protein, or vitamin D.
Reference: Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO), World Health Organization 2000
History of Fractures
If you have previously experienced a fracture due to osteoporosis, your risk of future fractures is twice as high as that of the general population.
Family History of Fractures
Your bone composition and rate of bone loss can be influenced by genetic factors and shared lifestyle habits. If one of your parents has had a hip fracture, you may be at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.
Lack of Exercise or Prolonged Sedentary Behavior
Long-term lack of exercise or a sedentary lifestyle can accelerate bone loss. Studies have shown that adults who engage in more physical activity have a lower risk of hip fractures.
Smoking or Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Smokers or former smokers have a 1.8 times higher risk of hip fractures compared to non-smokers. Additionally, individuals who consume more than 2 units of alcohol per day have a 40% higher risk of osteoporotic fractures.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can be a symptom of a vertebral fracture, and it is important to seek medical assistance to identify the underlying cause.
Height Loss of ≥3cm after the Age of 40
If you notice a height loss of ≥3cm or more compared to your previous height, it could be due to vertebral fractures. It is recommended to consult a doctor promptly for osteoporosis evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Medical Conditions
Certain diseases and medications used for their treatment can weaken the bones and increase the risk of fractures, such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, immune system disorders, etc.
Medications
Some medications can have side effects that weaken the bones and increase the risk of fractures, such as glucocorticoids used for asthma, immunosuppressants, thyroid hormones, corticosteroids, etc.
Inadequate Calcium and Vitamin D Intake
Balanced nutrition is crucial for overall health, and calcium and vitamin D are particularly important for bone and muscle growth. Vitamin D deficiency is more common in older individuals.
Calculate your risk of osteoporosis immediately.
Calculate your risk of osteoporosis using the Chinese Osteoporosis Screening Algorithm (COSA). COSA is a risk prediction tool specifically designed for the Chinese population. Previous risk assessment tools like FRAX and OSTA have shown biases due to ethnic differences, while COSA provides higher accuracy for the Chinese population. Please provide the necessary information* to complete the assessment.
Osteoporosis needs to be treated to prevent fracture
Osteoporosis is typically diagnosed by doctors during routine disease screenings. If you have risk factors associated with osteoporosis or suspect you may have osteoporosis, it is recommended to consult a doctor at a hospital. The medical assessment for diagnosing osteoporosis and evaluating fracture risk may involve one or more of the following steps:
Clinical Examination
The diagnosis of osteoporosis and assessment of fragility fracture risk are based on three factors: medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
Bone Density Testing
DXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a fast and accurate test for measuring bone density. It is currently the only World Health Organization-approved method for diagnosing and grading osteoporosis. More information will be provided on the website.
FRAX® Assessment Tool
FRAX® is a commonly used tool to assess the risk of osteoporosis. It is a computer model that estimates the probability of a patient experiencing a fracture in the next 10 years based on various risk factors, including age, gender, bone density, previous fracture history, and family fracture history.
How DXA Testing Helps
Fast
The exam takes only about two minutes, is painless
Low Radiation
only 1/20th to 1/80th of a typical chest X-ray
The Only Approved Method
Recognized By WHO for diagnosing and grading osteoporosis.
During a DXA scan, the patient lies on an instrument while the bone density of the lumbar spine and hip is measured. The exam takes only about two minutes, is painless, and involves a radiation dose that is only 1/20th to 1/80th of a typical chest X-ray. Based on the DXA results, expressed as a T-score, the doctor can provide appropriate recommendations or prescribe osteoporosis medications to reduce the risk of fractures associated with osteoporosis.
T-score
above -1.0
Normal Bone Mass
-1.0～-2.5
Bone Loss
Equal or Lower than -2.5
Osteoporosis
Is bone density testing only possible through X-ray imaging, and does it come with a high cost and exposure to significant levels of radiation?
Bone density testing has advanced significantly nowadays, and doctors often recommend a procedure called DXA, which stands for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. DXA is the only bone density testing method recognized by the World Health Organization. The process typically takes around 2-5 minutes and is painless, requiring no anesthesia. The radiation exposure is approximately 1/20th to 1/80th of a typical chest X-ray.
How to Prevent or Treat Osteoporosis?
Whether you’re looking to enhance your bone health or seeking guidance on treatment options, a wealth of information is offered to empower you in your journey towards optimal bone strength and fracture prevention. Take charge of your bone health today and unlock a future of vitality and well-being.
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