Silent Bone Breaker: Osteoporosis Threatens Millions in India, Early Detection is Key

• Osteoporosis, often called the "silent bone breaker," is a highly prevalent yet underdiagnosed chronic condition in India, affecting over 61 million people.
• Bone loss frequently goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs; women can lose up to 20% bone density in the first five years of menopause.
• India faces a significant health burden with osteoporotic fractures occurring nearly a decade earlier than in Western populations, and 80% of the urban population is vitamin D deficient.
• Key predisposing factors include vitamin D deficiency and inadequate calcium intake, which weaken bones and increase fracture risk.
• Prevention involves a healthy diet rich in calcium (milk, ragi, leafy greens), sufficient vitamin D (sunlight exposure), and regular weight-bearing exercises (walking, yoga).

Why It Matters: Early detection, lifestyle changes, and awareness are crucial to combat osteoporosis, a silent threat to bone health.