By Donna Herberger, President, and Stephen D. Rycyna, Jr., MD, Medical Director 

The Ideal You Weight Loss Center, LLC 

 Osteoporosis is a disease that makes bones thin, weak, and easier to break. It’s a “silent disease.” You cannot feel or see your bones getting thinner. 

Who is more at risk of developing osteoporosis, men or women?

In the U.S., approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis. CDC data shows that if you’re a woman over 65 years of age, you have a 27.1% chance of developing osteoporosis, translating to 8 million older women. However, only approximately 5.7% of men aged 65 and older in the U.S. have osteoporosis, translating to 1.5 to 2 million older men nationwide.          

What to do to reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis:

  1. Know your family history. Osteoporosis can be hereditary.  

  2. Daily intake of calcium with sufficient vitamin D to aid absorption.

  3. Daily exercise! Walking, weight-bearing exercises, and strength training are highly effective.

  4. Oral medications called thiazolidinediones (TZDs) have been linked to bone loss and an increased risk of fractures. Talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking. 

  5. People with diabetes need to keep a close eye on blood sugar. Diabetics are at a higher risk.

  6. Consider getting a bone density test. 

The Ideal You Weight Loss Center, staffed by Certified Weight Loss Coaches, offers a science-based, cost-effective, healthy protocol (without drugs) to help you lose fat while maintaining lean tissue and muscle, with dozens of delicious food options! Weekly coaching and accountability will help you reach your weight loss goal and make healthy lifestyle changes that empower you to build lasting habits! Learn more at IdealYou.com. Call 716-631-THIN (8446).