What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them more likely to break

Osteoporosis makes bones thinner and weaker, increasing the risk of fractures (broken bones). When you have osteoporosis, fractures may happen from everyday activities—not just serious falls.

Icon Coughing

Coughing

Icon Lifting objects

Lifting objects

Icon Bending down

Bending down

Icon Twisting your spine

Twisting your spine

Risk factors for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis can affect anyone, but it is more common in older adults—especially postmenopausal women

In the United States, about

1 in 5

women over age 50 is affected by osteoporosis*

1 in 4

women over age 65 is affected by osteoporosis

*According to a CDC study from 2017-2018.
According to the FDA, as of 2024.

CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; FDA, US Food and Drug Administration.

While osteoporosis is more common as you get older, younger women can also develop the condition

Osteoporosis can happen to people of all races and ethnicities, but it happens more often in non-Hispanic White women and Asian women

Men can get osteoporosis too, but they are less likely to be diagnosed and treated