[Click! Health] Understanding 'Osteoporosis' That Increases Fracture Risk in Old Age

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Osteoporosis is one of the representative diseases that show no symptoms at all. Bone tissue weakens without any symptoms and is only discovered when a fracture occurs, prompting a hospital visit. Fractures caused by osteoporosis often recur, and fractures in the elderly can be life-threatening, making prevention and management extremely important.

[Source=Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency National Health Information Portal]

Osteoporosis refers to a condition where the bone itself becomes weak like a sponge with holes, making it easy to break. If the 'T-score' used to evaluate bone density is lower than -1.0 but higher than -2.5, it is called osteopenia, which means bone density is lower than normal. If the T-score is lower than -2.5, it is diagnosed as osteoporosis. Since patients feel no symptoms, it is often only discovered after a bone fracture occurs.

Osteoporosis is broadly classified into primary and secondary types. Primary osteoporosis occurs without any specific underlying disease and is divided into postmenopausal osteoporosis and senile osteoporosis. Among osteoporosis cases, postmenopausal osteoporosis is the most common. According to the National Health Insurance Service's statistics on diseases of public interest, 1,126,861 patients visited hospitals for osteoporosis in 2021 alone, of which 1,061,874 were women, accounting for 95% of all patients. Secondary osteoporosis occurs due to specific diseases or medications, such as hyperparathyroidism or long-term use of steroid drugs.

If you are afraid of fractures caused by osteoporosis, you should measure your bone density in advance to prepare. Professor Jeong Ho-yeon of the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Kangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital said, "Women after menopause and men over their 50s should get tested at least once. If there is a family history of osteoporotic fractures, early menopause, chronic diseases, long-term medication use, excessive drinking, or smoking, testing is necessary." If diagnosed with osteoporosis, treatment should begin immediately.

The most important goal of osteoporosis treatment is fracture prevention. Bone density is increased through oral medications or, in severe cases, injection therapy. Especially for osteoporosis patients who have experienced fractures, re-fractures can occur at any time, so prompt and aggressive treatment is necessary. Treatment should not be neglected even after passing a dangerous phase. Even with medication, bone density does not return to normal from a very low state, and bone density naturally decreases with age, so maintaining bone density through continuous treatment is important.

Professor Jung Ho-yeon of the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Kangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital is explaining osteoporosis.
[Photo by Kangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital]

To prevent osteoporosis, it is best to increase peak bone mass sufficiently from a young age. Peak bone mass is largely influenced by genetics, but physical activities such as walking and running during adolescence and adequate intake of vitamin D can help. After becoming an adult, one should maintain healthy lifestyle habits that support bone health. Avoid smoking and excessive drinking, and strive for regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Exercise should include at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week and strength training at least twice a week. Exercise itself suppresses aging and increases physical strength and balance, reducing the risk of falls. For osteoporosis, calcium and vitamin D intake are most important, but having a balanced diet with all nutrients is best. It is recommended to consume protein 3 to 4 times daily, at least two types of vegetables at every meal, 1 to 2 fruits daily, and 1 to 2 glasses of milk or dairy products daily. Also, moderate sun exposure is important for vitamin D synthesis.

① Avoid smoking and excessive drinking.

② Perform at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise and strength training twice a week.

③ Maintain a healthy diet with balanced intake of all nutrients.

④ Supplements can be used if necessary, but excessive intake should be avoided.

⑤ Moderate sun exposure is important for vitamin D synthesis.
(Information provided by Professor Jeong Ho-yeon, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital)