Risk Factors for Osteoporosis and Fracture in Both Genders Dietary Factors. Diet plays an important role in preventing and speeding up bone loss in men and women. Deficiencies in or excessive amounts of certain nutrients may increase the risk for low bone density and osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, of course, are important factors in the risk for osteoporosis. Too Little Exercise.
Lack of exercise can put people at risk for osteoporosis.
One study conducted in a rural part of Turkey where women did all the physical work showed that men had a higher rate of fractures than women did. Being underweight is a risk factor for osteoporosis in men as well as women. Lack of Sunlight. The photochemical effect of sunlight on the skin is a primary source for vitamin D. Bone formation peaks in the summer and bone breakdown increases in the winter. People who avoid sun exposure to prevent skin cancer may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency, particularly it they are elderly.