Osteoporosis Prevalence Rising Among Korean Women, New Survey Shows

A recent national health survey reveals a significant disparity in osteoporosis prevalence between men and women in South Korea, with women over 50 being six times more likely to suffer from the condition. The findings underscore the importance of preventative measures, adequate calcium intake, and early detection.

Prevalence Rates in South Korea

According to the 2024 results from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the prevalence of osteoporosis among individuals aged 50 and older is 4.4% for men and 23.5% for women . This translates to an estimated 480,000 men and 2.83 million women currently living with the disease.

The prevalence of osteoporosis increases with age for both genders, but the rate of increase is notably steeper in women. Specifically:

• Men: 4.1% in their 50s, 4.4% in their 60s, and 4.8% in their 70s or older.
• Women: 12.7% in their 50s, 21.4% in their 60s, and 37.2% in their 70s or older.

Key Risk Factors Identified

Analysis of osteoporosis risk factors among women revealed a higher rate of underweight individuals with osteoporosis (5.6%) compared to those without the disease (1.7%). Individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis reported a significantly higher incidence of prior fractures (31.6%) than those without the condition (20.7%).

Daily calcium intake was also found to be lower among those with osteoporosis (449.5 mg) compared to those without the disease (487.2 mg).

Interestingly, the survey did not find a statistically significant relationship between osteoporosis and factors such as smoking, high-risk alcohol consumption, physical activity levels, or blood vitamin D levels. However, the KDCA noted that previous studies have suggested a link between these factors and osteoporosis, and plans to conduct further analysis integrating data up to 2027 .

Understanding Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased bone volume and weakened bones, increasing susceptibility to fractures even from minor impacts. It occurs when the balance between bone resorption (by osteoclasts) and bone formation (by osteoblasts) is disrupted. Contributing factors include hormonal changes, insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake, and genetic predisposition.

Common fracture sites associated with osteoporosis include the spine, wrist, and femur (hip bone). The Korean Society of Bone Metabolism indicates that wrist and ankle fractures are more common in individuals in their 50s and 60s, even as spine and hip fractures turn into more prevalent with increasing age.

Prevention and Management

The Korean Society of Bone Metabolism emphasizes the importance of consuming a nutrient-rich diet, particularly adequate calcium, and undergoing regular checkups for early disease detection. For those diagnosed with osteoporosis, appropriate medical treatment is crucial to prevent fractures.

The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) is conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and has been ongoing for the past 20 years .