World Osteoporosis Day
This World Osteoporosis Day 2025, take a stand for stronger bones! Learn about osteoporosis prevention, early detection, and treatment to maintain lifelong bone health.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Osteoporosis, often referred to as the "silent disease," affects millions of people worldwide, leading to weakened bones that are more prone to fractures. Despite its prevalence, osteoporosis often goes undiagnosed until a fracture occurs. This is where World Osteoporosis Day plays a critical role—by shedding light on this often-overlooked condition and encouraging people to take steps toward maintaining healthy bones throughout their lives.
Observed annually on October 20th, World Osteoporosis Day serves as a global campaign aimed at raising awareness, providing education, and promoting action for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis. This day is organised by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), and it serves as a reminder of the importance of bone health at all stages of life.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a medical condition characterised by the weakening of bones, making them more fragile and prone to fractures. The term “osteoporosis” literally means “porous bones,” reflecting the structure of the bones as they lose density and mass. As bones become less dense, they lose their strength, which increases the risk of fractures, even from minor falls or injuries.
How Does Osteoporosis Develop?
Our bones are constantly undergoing a process of renewal, where old bone tissue is broken down and replaced by new tissue. In a healthy body, the rate of bone formation and breakdown is balanced. However, in people with osteoporosis, the balance shifts—bone resorption (breakdown) occurs faster than bone formation. This leads to a loss of bone density, causing the bones to become brittle and weak.
As osteoporosis progresses, individuals may not even realise they have it, as it often develops slowly and without symptoms. The condition is usually only detected after a fracture occurs or through a bone density test, which can detect bone loss before it leads to a break.
Who is at Risk?
Several factors contribute to the development of osteoporosis, including:
Age: As we age, bone mass naturally decreases. This process accelerates after menopause in women.
Gender: Women are at a higher risk than men, especially postmenopausal women, due to a drop in estrogen levels, which can accelerate bone loss.
Family History: A family history of osteoporosis or fractures increases your risk of developing the condition.
Diet and Lifestyle: Diets low in calcium and vitamin D, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can all contribute to osteoporosis.
Medical Conditions and Medications: Certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and prolonged use of medications like corticosteroids can also increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Consult Top Specialists for Your Osteoporosis
Living with Osteoporosis: Essential Tips for Managing the Condition
Here are some practical tips to help you navigate life with osteoporosis:
1. Medication
For many individuals with osteoporosis, medication is a key part of managing the condition. Several treatments can help slow down bone loss, increase bone density, and reduce the risk of fractures:
Bisphosphonates: These are commonly prescribed to prevent bone loss by inhibiting the cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue. They are effective in reducing fracture risk.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Particularly for postmenopausal women, HRT can help maintain bone density by replenishing estrogen levels, which drop during menopause and contribute to bone thinning.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs): These drugs mimic estrogen’s positive effects on bone without some of its risks, making them useful in osteoporosis treatment for women.
2. Nutrition and Exercise
A balanced diet and regular physical activity play vital roles in strengthening bones and reducing the impact of osteoporosis.
Bone-Healthy Nutrition: Adequate calcium and vitamin D are critical for bone health. Aim to include calcium-rich foods in your diet, such as dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt), leafy greens (kale, spinach), and fortified foods. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which can be obtained from sunlight, fortified foods, and supplements. Be sure to discuss your specific nutritional needs with your healthcare provider to ensure you're getting the right amounts of these essential nutrients.
Exercise for Stronger Bones: Regular physical activity, especially weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises, helps maintain bone density and improve overall strength. Walking, dancing, and hiking are excellent weight-bearing exercises that stimulate bone formation. Strength training using weights or resistance bands also helps strengthen muscles, which in turn supports bones and enhances balance. Regularly engaging in exercises that improve flexibility and balance, like yoga or tai chi, can help reduce the risk of falls, which is especially important for those with osteoporosis.
3. Fall Prevention
For those living with osteoporosis, even a minor fall can lead to serious fractures, making fall prevention a crucial part of managing the condition. Taking proactive steps to minimise the risk of falls can make a big difference in staying safe:
Home Safety Modifications: Begin by making your home environment safer. Install handrails in areas like bathrooms and along stairways to provide extra support. Clear away tripping hazards such as loose rugs, electrical cords, or clutter. Good lighting is also essential, especially in hallways and staircases, to help you see clearly and avoid accidents.
Supportive Footwear: Wear shoes that offer proper support and have non-slip soles to help prevent slips and falls. Avoid high heels or shoes with slick soles, as they can increase your chances of losing balance. Comfortable, well-fitting shoes can make a big difference in your stability.
Assistive Devices: If you feel unstable or have difficulty with balance, don’t hesitate to use assistive devices like a cane or walker. These tools can provide the added support you need, especially on uneven ground or when you're feeling tired.
Getting Involved in World Osteoporosis Day
World Osteoporosis Day provides an excellent opportunity for individuals, healthcare professionals, and organisations to raise awareness and promote bone health. Here are some ways to get involved:
Organise Events: Host or participate in community events, such as educational workshops, health fairs, or fitness classes, to raise awareness about osteoporosis and promote bone-healthy activities.
Social Media Campaigns: Use social media platforms to share information, resources, and personal stories about osteoporosis. Encourage others to join the conversation using hashtags like #WorldOsteoporosisDay and #LoveYourBones.
Educational Resources: Distribute educational materials, such as brochures, posters, and infographics, in healthcare facilities, schools, and community centres to inform the public about osteoporosis prevention and management.
Advocacy: Advocate for better access to osteoporosis screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Support policies and initiatives that promote bone health and prevent osteoporosis-related fractures.
Fundraising: Organize or participate in fundraising events to support osteoporosis research and awareness programs. Donations can help fund important initiatives, such as educational campaigns, support services, and medical research.
Conclusion
Osteoporosis is a significant public health issue, and its impact extends far beyond the individual level. By observing World Osteoporosis Day on October 20th each year, the global community has the opportunity to unite in the real fight against osteoporosis, raise awareness, and promote strategies for prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.
Osteoporosis can be prevented and managed through simple lifestyle changes, early detection, and appropriate medical care. World Osteoporosis Day is an important reminder that bone health should be a priority at every stage of life, helping ensure that future generations can live strong, active lives free from the debilitating effects of osteoporosis.
Consult Top Rheumatologists
Consult Top Specialists for Your Osteoporosis
Dr. Suday Mukhopadhyay
Orthopaedician
22 Years • MBBS, DTM & H, MS (Orthopaedics)
Kolkata
Satkrit Healthcare- A multi-speciality clinic, Kolkata
Dr. Parthajit Das
Rheumatologist
20 Years • MD, FRCP (London), FRCP (Edinburgh), MRCP (Rheumatology),MSC (Sports Medicine), CCST (UK)
Kolkata
Asian Institute of Immunology and Rheumatology, Kolkata
(75+ Patients)
Dr. Bharat K Singh
Rheumatologist
12 Years • MBBS, MD, DM
Jaipur
C K Birla Hospital, Jaipur
Dr. Arupratan Ghosh
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
24 Years • MBBS, DPH, MD Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Kolkata
SATKRIT HEALTHCARE - A MULTISPECIALITY CLINIC, Kolkata
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Consult Top Rheumatologists
Dr. Suday Mukhopadhyay
Orthopaedician
22 Years • MBBS, DTM & H, MS (Orthopaedics)
Kolkata
Satkrit Healthcare- A multi-speciality clinic, Kolkata
Dr. Parthajit Das
Rheumatologist
20 Years • MD, FRCP (London), FRCP (Edinburgh), MRCP (Rheumatology),MSC (Sports Medicine), CCST (UK)
Kolkata
Asian Institute of Immunology and Rheumatology, Kolkata
(75+ Patients)
Dr. Bharat K Singh
Rheumatologist
12 Years • MBBS, MD, DM
Jaipur
C K Birla Hospital, Jaipur
Dr. Arupratan Ghosh
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
24 Years • MBBS, DPH, MD Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Kolkata
SATKRIT HEALTHCARE - A MULTISPECIALITY CLINIC, Kolkata
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru