There are more than 70,000 hip fractures every year.
Osteoporosis is painful - and can lead to severe disability and even premature death.
Thin and brittle bones occur due to the loss of bone mineral, which normally maintains the strength of our bones. This mineral loss occurs over many years. The risk of osteoporosis depends on the amount of calcium stored in the bones in earlier life, and the rate of loss during middle and old age. There are a number of ways to help our bodies to build strong and healthy bones, especially during childhood and adolescence. A diet rich in calcium and an active lifestyle are especially important.