Osteoporosis Becoming Silent Epidemic in India: Orthopaedic Surgeon

Hip, wrist, and spine fractures are now being reported in people as young as 45

MUMBAI / October 16, 2025: Osteoporosis is increasingly being seen in younger age groups in India, particularly in women in their late 30s and early 40s. Post-menopausal women remain the most affected group, but sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, and increasing stress are putting even working professionals at risk today. Another worrying trend is the rise in fragility fractures. Hip, wrist, and spine fractures are now being reported in people as young as 45. This was said by renowned Mumbai-based knee, shoulder and hip surgeon, Dr. Amyn Rajani, ahead of the World Osteoporosis Day.

Said Dr. Amyn Rajani: “Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak, brittle, and more prone to fractures, often from minor falls or even simple movements like bending or coughing. In India, it is becoming a silent epidemic. Osteoporosis is often called a ‘silent disease’ because bone loss happens gradually without symptoms. People should not ignore chronic back pain, loss of height, stooped posture, or fractures after minor falls. These are warning signs that need medical attention and bone density testing.”

He added: “More than 50 million people in India suffer from osteoporosis or low bone mass. Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis. Nearly one in three women over the age of 50 is affected, compared to one in five men. The rapid decline in estrogen levels in women after menopause accelerates bone loss. However, men are often diagnosed late because osteoporosis is wrongly perceived as just a ‘women’s disease.”

The major risk factors for osteoporosis include vitamin D and calcium deficiency, hormonal changes (especially in women after menopause), smoking, excessive alcohol intake, prolonged use of steroids, and lack of weight-bearing exercise. A diet low in protein and excessive consumption of processed foods adds to the risk, according to the doctor.

Said Dr. Amyn Rajani: “The gold standard for diagnosis of osteoporosis is a Bone Mineral Density (DEXA) scan. This is a quick, non-invasive test that measures bone strength. Routine screening after the age of 40-45, especially for women, is highly recommended. Blood tests to assess vitamin D, calcium, and thyroid function also help identify underlying causes.”

Talking about several myths prevailing about osteoporosis among the masses, the doctor said: “The biggest myth is that osteoporosis affects only old people. The reality is that it can start silently much earlier. Another myth is that only women get osteoporosis. However, men are also at risk, especially those with poor nutrition or sedentary jobs. It is a common perception that fractures occur only due to accidents. But in osteoporosis, a minor fall or even a cough can cause a bone fracture. Many people think that taking calcium supplements alone is enough in cases of osteoporosis. They don’t realize that without vitamin D and exercise, calcium is poorly absorbed by the body.”

Dr. Amyn Rajani said that prevention of osteoporosis should begin early, preferably in the 20s and 30s, because bone mass peaks around the age of 30. “To protect against osteoporosis, one must eat calcium-rich foods like milk, curd, ragi, sesame seeds, and almonds, get adequate vitamin D through sunlight or supplements, do regular exercise like brisk walking, jogging, or strength training, avoid smoking and alcohol, and get bone health checkups after 40, especially for women.”