A recent webinar organized by Naruvi Hospitals, Vellore, in collaboration with other health experts, provided essential information on preventing bone loss in young adults. The session, titled “Osteoporosis: What a Common Man Needs to Know,” was part of the “Healthy India, Happy India” initiative, which aims to promote nationwide health and wellness.
Importance of Preventing Bone Loss
Experts emphasized that adequate calcium intake, regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are critical factors for preventing bone loss in young adults.
Key Speakers and Their Insights
The webinar featured three prominent experts:
- Dr. M.S. Seshadri – Consultant and Head of Endocrinology at Naruvi Hospitals
- Dr. Sai Krishna Chaitanya – Consultant Endocrinologist at Naruvi Hospitals
- Dr. Shriram Mahadevan – Head of Endocrinology at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai
Osteoporosis Explained
Dr. Chaitanya started the session by explaining osteoporosis as a condition where weakened bones significantly increase the risk of fractures. He described osteoporosis as occurring when the balance between bone resorption and bone remodeling is disrupted, leading to decreased bone mass. Bone mass peaks during the third decade of life, after which bone resorption exceeds bone formation, accelerating bone loss.
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
Dr. Chaitanya outlined several key risk factors for osteoporosis:
- Age: Bone mass naturally decreases with age.
- Gender: Women are at a higher risk.
- Low body weight: Individuals with low body weight are more susceptible.
- Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of bone loss.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: High alcohol intake is linked to weakened bones.
- Family history: A family history of osteoporosis increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
- Physical inactivity: A lack of physical activity can lead to weaker bones.
- History of fractures: Fractures after the age of 40 increase the risk.
Building Strong Bones in Early Years
Dr. Seshadri emphasized the importance of calcium intake, especially from dairy products, and regular outdoor activity in building strong bones during the growth years. However, he noted that modern lifestyles, which often involve academic pressures and increased screen time, limit both calcium intake and physical activity. In such cases, supplements may be necessary to ensure adequate calcium intake.
Treatment Options for Osteoporosis
Dr. Mahadevan discussed the treatment options available for osteoporosis. He explained that medication choices are based on efficacy, scientific evidence, and the type of fracture being targeted. Bisphosphonates are usually the first-line treatment, while bone-forming agents are recommended for severe osteoporosis or recurrent fractures, particularly when bone mineral density is low.
He also warned that these treatments are typically prescribed for 18 to 24 months, and stopping them abruptly could have harmful effects.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is a key factor in preventing bone loss in young adults?
- A) Regular physical activity
- B) Excessive alcohol consumption
- C) Smoking
- D) Avoiding dairy products
- What is osteoporosis?
- A) A condition where bones become stronger
- B) A condition where bones weaken and are more likely to fracture
- C) A condition that affects only the elderly
- D) A condition that increases bone mass
- Which of the following is a risk factor for osteoporosis?
- A) High body weight
- B) Physical activity
- C) Family history of osteoporosis
- D) High calcium intake
- Which of the following treatments is commonly used for osteoporosis?
- A) Bisphosphonates
- B) Antibiotics
- C) Insulin
- D) Painkillers
- What is the recommended duration for osteoporosis medication treatment?
- A) 6 to 12 months
- B) 18 to 24 months
- C) 36 to 48 months
- D) Indefinitely