An individual with anorexia nervosa may deny his or her feelings of hunger because of an irrational fear of becoming fat. Eating disorders are common in young female athletes who may be under intense pressure to lose weight. More information on eating disorders is available. Cigarette Smoking Smoking is a serious risk factor, by itself, for osteoporosis. Heavy smokers have been shown to have much lower wrist and vertebral bone mineral content than light or nonsmokers.
Smoking is also related with decreased hip bone density in old age.
Decreased hip bone density increases the risk of hip fracture, the most serious type of bone fracture. Excessive Alcohol Use Excessive alcohol use has been associated with injurious effects on bone mass. Studies among individuals who drink excessive amounts of alcohol show a lower bone density and an increased risk for fractures. Excessive alcohol use replaces essential nutrients in the diet, which, in turn, may affect calcium absorption. Alcohol intoxication may also give rise to fractures from accidents and falls.