Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by the loss of bone mass and decline of bone quality. Osteoporosis is most prevalent among post-menopausal women particularly those with small frames. The incidence for osteoporosis for women is four times that of men.
Osteoporosis is more common in white and Asian communities.
As of June 1996, an approximate 7-8 million Americans are already affected by osteoporosis and another 17 million more have low bone mass putting them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Although the rate of hip fractures due to osteoporosis is presently lower among Asians in comparison to Caucasians, the rate of vertebral fractures among Asians seems to be as high as whites. Asian and white women because of differences in bone mass and density have higher incidence of osteoporosis than black women do. Asian American women are also at particular risk for osteoporosis because of their diminished intake of calcium in comparison to other population groups. Asian American women are also at particular risk because of their smaller frames and associated lower bone mass.