7 Osteoporosis Risk Factors You Can’t Ignore (A PhD Study’s Guide)

7 Osteoporosis Risk Factors You Can’t Ignore (A PhD Study’s Guide)

Last Updated: July 27, 2025

Why Did I Get Osteoporosis?

When diagnosed with osteoporosis, it’s natural to ask, “Why me?” Many people assume it’s an inevitable consequence of aging or being a woman, but the reality is far more complex. The development of osteoporosis is multifactorial, stemming from a combination of genetics, lifestyle choices, and other hidden health issues. A 2019 PhD thesis from Ziauddin University provides a comprehensive breakdown of these underlying causes.

Understanding these diverse osteoporosis risk factors is the first, most crucial step in managing your bone health and preventing future fractures. This article unpacks the key factors identified in the research, separating what you can’t change from what you can control.

The Genetic Lottery: Is Osteoporosis in Your DNA?

One of the most significant and unchangeable osteoporosis risk factors is your genetic makeup. If you have a family history of osteoporosis or fractures, your own risk is substantially higher.

The thesis highlights that Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is a highly heritable trait, estimated to be 60-90% among genetically determined individuals. This makes osteoporosis a “familial disease.”

• Family History: The research states, “offspring of osteoporotic individuals with fractures are more likely to have low BMD hence leads to the development of osteoporosis.” Daughters, in particular, are more prone to decreased BMD if their mothers had the condition.
• Heritability: An estimated 60% to 80% of the variability in a person’s bone mass can be explained by heritable factors.
• Specific Genes: While it’s a polygenetic disorder (involving multiple genes), scientists have identified specific genes associated with a susceptibility to osteoporosis, including OPG, ESR1, and MARK3.

While you can’t change your genes, knowing you have a family history is a powerful motivator to be proactive about managing the risk factors you can control.

Lifestyle Choices: The Controllable Osteoporosis Risk Factors

This is where you have the power to make a significant impact. Several key lifestyle choices directly influence your bone health.

1. The Dangers of a Sedentary Life

A lack of physical activity is a major contributor to bone loss. The study identifies a sedentary lifestyle as a significant contributor in promoting osteoporosis. Modern life and rapid urbanization have led to an increase in sedentary behavior, which negatively impacts BMD and leads to weaker bones.

2. Dietary Deficiencies: Calcium and Vitamin D

Your bones are a living bank of minerals. If your diet doesn’t provide enough calcium and vitamin D, your body will make withdrawals from your skeleton, weakening its structure. These are two of the most critical osteoporosis risk factors related to diet.

• Calcium: The body is unable to produce calcium, so it must be obtained from dietary sources or supplements. The recommended intake for women over 50 is 1000mg–1200mg per day.
• Vitamin D: This vitamin is essential for absorbing and storing calcium. The research notes that serum levels below 50nmol/L are considered deficient, a common issue among postmenopausal women. A dietary intake of 800 to 1000 IU per day is recommended.

3. Smoking & Alcohol Consumption

These habits are directly toxic to your bones.

• Smoking: As the thesis notes, smoking has a “negative impact on bone healing thus decreases BMD and increases risk of having fracture.”
• Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can “compromise bone quality and lowers peak bone mass,” increasing the likelihood of developing osteoporosis.

Hidden Dangers: Medications and Secondary Causes of Osteoporosis

Sometimes, bone loss is a side effect of another medical issue or the treatment for it. This is known as secondary osteoporosis, and it’s a crucial set of osteoporosis risk factors to be aware of.

4. Common Medications That Weaken Bones

A number of widely prescribed medications can affect bone quality and strength. The study lists several potential contributors:

• Glucocorticoids (e.g., prednisone): These are particularly damaging, as they stimulate excessive bone resorption, primarily in the spine, and can induce osteocyte apoptosis (bone cell death).
• Proton-pump inhibitors (for acid reflux)
• Anticonvulsants
• Certain contraceptive injections

5. Underlying Health Conditions

Many chronic diseases can disrupt bone metabolism and lead to bone loss. The research highlights several conditions as secondary causes of osteoporosis:

• Endocrine Disorders: Hyperthyroidism and hyperparathyroidism.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
• Gastrointestinal Diseases: Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and cystic fibrosis, which can impair nutrient absorption.

Recognizing these secondary causes is critical, as they account for 20-30% of osteoporosis cases and often require treating the underlying condition in addition to the bone loss.

Conclusion: Know Your Risk, Take Control

The PhD research from Ziauddin University makes it clear that osteoporosis is not a simple disease with a single cause. It is a complex condition influenced by a web of interconnected factors. By understanding the full spectrum of osteoporosis risk factors—from your unchanging genetic predispositions to the daily lifestyle choices you control—you can work with your healthcare provider to build a comprehensive and personalized plan. This knowledge empowers you to move beyond simply reacting to a diagnosis and toward proactively managing your bone health for a stronger, safer future.

---

Author Bio

Dr. Amna Aamir Khan holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physical Therapy from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences at Ziauddin University. Her research focuses on the effects of targeted exercise interventions on functional parameters in clinical populations.

Source & Citations

Thesis Title: EFFECTS OF OSTEOANABOLIC EXERCISES ON GAIT, BALANCE AND FEAR OF FALL AMONG OSTEOPOROTIC FEMALES
Researcher: Amna Aamir Khan (DPT, MSc)
Guide (Supervisor): Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui
University: Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
Year of Compilation: 2019
Excerpt Page Numbers: 32, 33, 34, 35

Disclaimer

Some sentences have been lightly edited for SEO and readability. For the full, original research, please refer to the complete thesis PDF linked in the section above.

---

Which of these risk factors surprised you the most, or which one do you find most challenging to manage? Share your thoughts in the comments below.