Osteoporosis and Your Weight

If you are at a healthy weight (Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9), and maintain this healthy weight over time, it can dramatically decrease your risks for developing a number of serious medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and breast cancer. People who are genetically blessed with a petite, slender build and a high metabolism are at an advantage when it comes to preventing certain types of diseases and disease processes. Lifestyle also plays a very big part!

However, if you are naturally petite and have a slender build, you may be at a higher risk for one serious disease: Post Menopausal Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis literally means “porous bones.” Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in a condition characterized by fragile and weak bone structure in women after Menopause. These changes can be attributed to hormonal changes resulting from Menopause and can make women more at risk for fractures, especially in the hips and spine. Women who are small-framed, are more at risk for developing this disease. Women who are small-framed and have blonde hair and blue eyes are especially at risk. If you smoke, your chances of developing Post Menopausal Osteoporosis are increased dramatically! Taking steroids will also dramatically increase your risks.

Getting an adequate intake of calcium when you are young can help to prevent Post Menopausal Osteoporosis. Participating in weigh-bearing exercises such as running, walking and weight lifting can also help. If you are more genetically disposed to developing Post Menopausal Osteoporosis due to your build, eye color, hair color or other risk factors, talk to your doctor today about the lifestyle changes you can make to prevent this serious and debilitating disease.