Brittle bones: the facts

Osteoporosis is a wasting of the bones which makes them weak and more likely to break.

As bone becomes worn out it is broken down by cells called osteoclats and new bone is created. If the pace at which bone is removed is faster than the rate it is replaced, osteoporosis develops.

Women are at a greater risk than men because they have a lower bone mass and an increased loss after the menopause.

Research indicates that the disease can affect young people, particularly the underweight. Gentle exercise can help to rebuild bone strength.

Drug treatments, including hormone replacement therapy, oestrogen derivatives and new drugs known as selective oestrogen receptor modulators, can also help.