Final answer:
Osteoporosis predominantly affects women, particularly after menopause due to a decline in estrogen levels, which triggers accelerated bone loss. Risk factors for osteoporosis include age, sex, ancestry, family history, lack of exercise, vitamin D deficiency, and poor nutrition. To prevent osteoporosis, a healthy lifestyle including adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D paired with weight-bearing exercises is recommended.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteoporosis is a condition that predominantly affects women, particularly post-menopausal women due to drastic hormonal changes. The condition is marked by a decrease in bone density which makes the bones more brittle and prone to fractures. While, osteoporosis is more common in women, men can also develop it, especially those with a family history of the condition.
Osteoporosis occurs due to an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption, a process which is regulated by hormones including estrogen. Around the age of 50, women go through menopause which is accompanied by a decline in estrogen levels. This hormonal change triggers an acceleration in bone loss, making women more susceptible to osteoporosis.
While the exact percentage of women developing osteoporosis can vary depending on population and region, there are universally acknowledged risk factors for osteoporosis. These include older age, female sex, European or Asian ancestry, family history of osteoporosis, lack of exercise, vitamin D deficiency, and poor nutrition.
Prevention of osteoporosis should ideally begin early with a healthy diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D, along with a lifestyle that incorporates weight-bearing exercises. These actions are crucial in building bone mass and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Thus, promoting healthy lifestyle habits and adequate nutrition from a young age is highly recommended.
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