Medical experts warn of rising osteoporosis in people under 50

Medical experts are reporting an increase in osteoporosis diagnoses among individuals under the age of 50. During the VIII Course on Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Pathology organized by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology, specialists noted that while the condition is most common in postmenopausal women and the elderly, it is increasingly being detected in younger populations.

Several factors may contribute to this trend, including increased awareness and a rise in diagnostic testing. Experts also point to lifestyle changes, such as sedentary behavior, reduced sun exposure, and restrictive diets lacking sufficient protein and calcium. Additionally, the presence of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, hormonal alterations, and the use of certain medications like corticosteroids are cited as potential secondary causes.

In Spain, approximately 3 million people suffer from osteoporosis, resulting in about 300,000 fragility fractures annually. Experts emphasize that the disease remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, and they urge clinicians to investigate secondary causes when osteoporosis appears in younger patients.