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Health/Nutritional News

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans. That is 55 percent of the 50 and over population. With the average age of Americans continuing to increase, the impact of osteoporosis is rising. Already it accounts for an estimated 1.5 million fractures a year—primarily involving the hip, vertebral and wrist bones.

About 10 million Americans already have the disease and an estimated 34 million have low bone mass, increasing their risk for osteoporosis. The NOF reports that the monetary cost of this disease was estimated between $12 and $18 billion in 2002—not counting decreased productivity.

After the age of 50, women have a 50 percent chance of suffering an osteoporosis fracture. The risk increases dramatically after the first occurrence. While less likely to suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture, men have a higher incidence of mortality within one year after a fracture than women.