Recent studies reveal that the rate of osteoporosis among men is significantly higher in the Kingdom compared to other countries.

This came during the celebrations of the World Osteoporosis Awareness Day organized by King Abdulaziz Medical City in collaboration with the Saudi Society for Osteoporosis under the slogan “Strong bones for a healthy life,” at Salam Mall Jeddah.

Dr. Salwa Aidaroos, consultant and endocrinologist for diabetes in adults and chairman of the Osteoporosis Awareness Committee, said that a random study of 5,000 people of both sexes aged between 20 to 89 years showed that the incidence rate of osteoporosis in women after menopause is 36 percent. However, it was 42 percent for men over fifty which is significantly higher compared to Europe and America.

Osteoporosis or thinning of bones is a disease which occurs with age due to calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. As the bones become less dense, they become brittle and subsequently, more prone to fractures.

Among females especially, osteoporosis can be caused by low body weight, decrease in sex hormones, the onset of menopause, smoking or due to some medications.

Dr. Salwa pointed out that smoking was harmful for bones and that exposure to second-hand smoke particularly in childhood increased the risk of the disease.

She explained that patients can begin experiencing symptoms of osteoporosis as early as 30 years of age when bone tissue begins to thin at an increasing rate.

“Osteoporosis is preventable. Leading a healthy lifestyle, taking foods rich in calcium and vitamin D such as salmon, tuna, eggs, shellfish, red meat and nuts and seeds all help to keep the disease at bay,” she said. She added that exercise and making healthy food choices could also prevent osteoporosis.

She stressed that while regular walks and exercise are highly recommended to keep healthy, it was necessary to consult with a doctor about suitable exercises because any sudden effort could lead to broken bones.

The awareness program was organized by a number of health departments namely physiotherapy, pharmacy, health awareness and physicians of orthopedic surgery with the participation of relevant authorities. Doctors gave important information to the visitors at the mall and helped to educate the community and answer their questions.

The aim of the Saudi Society for Osteoporosis is to spread awareness, coordinate efforts and work to help people in the prevention of the disease, Dr. Salwa said.