Final answer:
The false statement among the options given is that people with African ancestry have a higher risk of osteoporosis than those with Asian or white ancestry. In fact, Asian and European ancestries are associated with a higher risk. Prevention strategies are critical and should start early in life to build sufficient bone mass.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is false is: C. People with African ancestry have a higher risk of osteoporosis than people with Asian or white ancestry. Actually, people with European or Asian ancestry have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Risk factors for osteoporosis include older age, female sex, European or Asian ancestry, and a family history of osteoporosis, among others. It is important to address these risks early in life to prevent the disease. Efforts to reduce the risk of osteoporosis should indeed begin early in life, as bones build mass until around the age of 30. Women are generally at a higher risk of osteoporosis after menopause due to hormonal changes, specifically the reduction in estrogen, which is critical for bone density.
Loss of height can be a sign of osteoporosis because the disease can cause vertebral fractures, leading to a decrease in stature. Preventing osteoporosis includes a diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D intakes and engaging in weight-bearing exercise to build bone mass before it begins to decline in later years. Osteoporosis can lead to serious complications, such as osteoporotic fractures, which can be debilitating and increase the risk of mortality, especially in older adults.