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Osteoporosis Report

Prevalence of Low Bone Mass and Osteoporosis Affects Significant Percentage of Men and Women in U.S. 50 and Older

(February 21, 2002) Osteoporosis and low bone mass are a major public health threat for approximately 55 percent of the U.S. population aged 50 and older, according to new figures released today by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF). Details are profiled in a new NOF report: America's Bone Health: The State of Osteoporosis and Low Bone Mass in Our Nation. The report, based on 2000 census figures, provides estimates of the prevalence of osteoporosis and low bone mass for the years 2002, 2010 and 2020, broken out by state, Congressional district and the top 25 metropolitan areas.

The total number of people aged 50 and older estimated to be at risk for osteoporosis and low bone mass is 44 million in 2002. The estimated prevalence rate of osteoporosis and low bone mass among men is 14 million. For women, the estimated prevalence rate for osteoporosis and low bone mass is 30 million.

"This prevalence report signals that this is a public health issue of major proportions," says C. Conrad Johnston, Jr., MD, president of NOF. "Additionally, the current estimated price tag for America in direct medical costs for treating fractures resulting from osteoporosis is $17 billion annually. These costs will surge if people do not take steps today to build stronger and healthier bones," Johnston adds.

"Bone health must be considered a top priority for all Americans. The report underscores the importance of focused efforts on bone health, as well as the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. Obviously, an overriding goal is finding a cure for the disease," says Judith Cranford, acting executive director of NOF.

To view the executive summary of the report on-line, go to http://www.nof.org/advocacy/prevalence.

NOF is the leading nonprofit, voluntary health organization dedicated to promoting lifelong bone health in order to reduce the widespread prevalence of osteoporosis and associated fractures, while working to find a cure for the disease through programs of research, education and advocacy.

Check out this website that encourages young girls to get an early start on building healthy bones:
Powerful Bones. Powerful Girls: The National Bone Health Campaign

Also see:
By 2020, One In Two Americans Over Age 50 Will Be At Risk For Fractures From Osteoporosis Or Low Bone Mass

Boning Up on Osteoporosis | Osteoporosis Report | Osteoporosis Facts | Osteoporosis Strategies

Source: America's Bone Health: The State of Osteoporosis and Low Bone Mass