Osteoporosis affects 30% of Iranians over age 50

Baqer Larijani, head of the Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, has reported significant rates of osteoporosis among the Iranian population. Research indicates that only approximately 20 percent of Iranians over the age of 50 maintain adequate bone density.

Among those over 65, the prevalence is high: roughly 62 percent of women suffer from osteoporosis and 33 percent have reduced bone density. In men of the same age group, 62 percent suffer from osteoporosis, while 18 to 20 percent experience reduced bone density.

The primary consequence of this condition is an increased risk of fractures. Iran sees approximately 400 bone fractures daily, totaling about 150,000 new cases annually. Hip fractures are particularly dangerous, with 20 percent of elderly patients facing life-threatening risks and many survivors dealing with permanent mobility limitations.

Larijani highlighted a critical gap in diagnosis and treatment, noting that about 80 percent of sufferers are unaware of their condition. Furthermore, only 80 out of every 1,000 affected individuals begin treatment, and nearly half of those who do start treatment eventually abandon it. A national program for identification and care is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.