Over half of Chinese women over 65 suffer osteoporosis

About one third of Chinese over 65 years of age suffer osteoporosis, with 10.7 percent incidence among men and 51.6 percent among women, medical experts said.

The incidence of osteoporosis among men in China is almost the same as other countries, but the percentage for women is much higher.

Osteoporosis can result in fractures, which leads to high mortality and a high rate of disability. Researches found 20 percent of patients suffering hip fractures due to osteoporosis die within one year, while 30 percent will suffer from permanent disability.

“Osteoporosis is a disease related with age, endocrine and metabolic disorder, lack of exercise, insufficient intake of calcium, low weight and habits like smoking and over drinking of alcohol and coffee,” said Dr Yue Hua from Shanghai No.6 People’s Hospital.

“Early screening to identify the risk of osteoporosis is important for early intervention and treatment,” Yue said. “The risk of osteoporosis can be identified through checks on biomarkers, which can streamline diagnosis, individualize treatment and monitor treatment effects.”