Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones. People with osteoporosis have bones that become weak and can break easily.
Osteoporosis affects mostly older women, but older men can get it too.
Most of the broken bones are in the hip, back, and wrist. Osteoporosis begins when you are a child and is often not found until you are much older. That is why it is so important to eat well and get lots of exercise to keep your bones healthy and strong. A family history of osteoporosis, the foods you eat, your hormone make-up, your age, and how you live your life all play a role in causing osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor to find out if you should be tested for osteoporosis.