Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both, resulting in weak and brittle bones that can break easily. The main cause of osteoporosis is the loss of bone mass, which can occur due to a variety of factors, including:

• Aging: As people age, their bones become less dense and weaker, making them more susceptible to osteoporosis.

• Gender: Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men, especially after menopause when estrogen levels decrease.

• Race: White and Asian women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis than women of other races.

• Low calcium and vitamin D intake: A lifelong lack of calcium and vitamin D can play a role in the development of osteoporosis.

• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease, thyroid problems, and gastrointestinal diseases, can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

• Medications: Certain medications, such as glucocorticoids and anticonvulsants, can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Preventing osteoporosis involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.