Study on 35-year-old men at risk for osteoporosis

According to a study published in the journal of the American Osteopathic Association, a study of 173 adults showed that a quarter of men aged 18 to 35 years suffer from osteopenia or bone lower than normal. Low bone density increases the risk of fractures, bone lesions and osteoporosis in the elderly.

Low bone density is generally perceived as a female problem, but it's just a myth, says Dr. Laila Tabatabai, MD at Houston Methodist Hospital. She was not badociated with the study.

"It's really a misperception," she told Men's Health. "Up to one in four men will have a fragility fracture during their lifetime.This is a huge number."

Tabatabai, a specialist in osteoporosis, is not surprised at the results obtained since she's treated young male patients. However, she says that doctors generally believe that men are less likely to develop osteoporosis because they produce more testosterone throughout their lives. In fact, women are screened for bone density at the age of 50, while men are not screened before age 60.

In addition, she believes that the research raises two important points. First, is it important for men to be concerned about their risk of osteoporosis at an early age? And secondly, what should they do with this knowledge?

In general, younger adults with low bone density have a low risk of fracture. The condition only becomes a problem when people are older and have more health problems.

The best thing to do is to know and minimize the risk factors for bone density loss, including smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol and the long-term use of steroids, such as alcohol. ; hydrocortisone. Family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture is another risk factor.

Men who think they are at risk of osteopenia should discuss the possibility of screening for bone density with their doctor. And it's not a bad idea to have vitamin D levels tested at least once, according to Tabatabai.

But everyone should adopt habits that strengthen the bones, including eating calcium-rich foods, participating in weight-bearing exercises and drinking in moderation, says Tabatabai.