The current number of people with osteoporosis

About 10 million Americans have osteoporosis right now, according to the National Institutes of Health. Another 34 million have low bone density—a condition called osteopenia—which means their bones are weaker than normal but not yet at the fracture threshold that defines osteoporosis. Together, these two groups represent roughly one in three adults over age 50.

These numbers come from bone density scans (DEXA scans) conducted as part of large health surveys. The figures vary slightly depending on the source and year, but major health organizations including the National Osteoporosis Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report numbers in this range. The actual count changes year to year as people age, develop the condition, or begin treatment.

Key Takeaways

  • Approximately 10 million Americans currently have osteoporosis, with another 34 million having low bone density that puts them at higher risk.
  • Women account for about three-quarters of all osteoporosis cases, largely because bone loss accelerates after menopause when estrogen drops.
  • The number of people with osteoporosis grows as the population ages, since bone density naturally declines with time.
  • One in two women and one in four men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis at some point in their remaining life.

Why women are affected more than men

Women make up roughly 80 percent of osteoporosis cases in the United States. This disparity stems from the hormonal changes that happen at menopause. Estrogen helps maintain bone density, and when estrogen levels drop sharply during menopause, bone loss accelerates. Women can lose 10 percent or more of their bone mass in the five to seven years after menopause begins.

Men do develop osteoporosis, but typically later in life. Male bone loss is more gradual and does not have a single hormonal trigger like menopause. Men with osteoporosis often have other contributing factors: low testosterone, chronic kidney disease, long-term corticosteroid use, or conditions that affect calcium absorption.

How age changes the numbers

Osteoporosis is far more common in older adults. Among women over 70, about one in four has osteoporosis. Among men over 70, the rate is roughly one in eight. Below age 50, osteoporosis is uncommon in both sexes, though it does occur in people with certain medical conditions, medications, or genetic factors.

As the U.S. population ages, the total number of people with osteoporosis is expected to rise. The Census Bureau projects that by 2030, more than 20 percent of Americans will be over 65. If bone density rates remain stable, this demographic shift alone will increase the number of people with osteoporosis significantly.

Fracture rates tied to osteoporosis

The real-world impact of osteoporosis shows up in fracture statistics. Each year, osteoporosis causes more than 1 million fractures in the United States—mostly in the hip, spine, and wrist. Hip fractures are the most serious; they typically require surgery and often lead to long-term disability or loss of independence.

The lifetime risk of an osteoporosis-related fracture is substantial. One in two women and one in four men over age 50 will experience a fracture caused by weak bones at some point. This risk is higher than the combined lifetime risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer in women, yet osteoporosis receives less public attention.

Variation by race and ethnicity

Osteoporosis rates differ across racial and ethnic groups, though the reasons are complex and involve both genetic and social factors. Non-Hispanic white women have the highest rates of osteoporosis diagnosis. Asian American women also have high rates, despite often having lower body weight. Black women and Hispanic women have lower rates of osteoporosis on average, though they still experience significant fracture risk.

These differences do not mean some groups are protected. Black women and Hispanic women may have lower bone density readings but sometimes have stronger bones for their density level, a phenomenon researchers are still working to understand. Additionally, disparities in access to bone density screening and treatment mean that osteoporosis in these groups is sometimes undiagnosed. Fracture rates tell a more complete story than diagnosis rates alone.

Who gets screened and diagnosed

The 10 million figure for osteoporosis cases reflects people who have been diagnosed through bone density testing. Many more people likely have osteoporosis but have never been screened. Screening recommendations vary: the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends bone density screening for all women 65 and older and for postmenopausal women under 65 who have risk factors. For men, screening is less standardized, and many men with osteoporosis go undiagnosed until they break a bone.

This means the true number of people with osteoporosis is probably higher than 10 million. The gap between diagnosed and undiagnosed cases is largest in men and in younger postmenopausal women who have not yet reached the age when screening is routine.

How the numbers are measured

Osteoporosis statistics come from several sources. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducts bone density scans on a representative sample of the U.S. population and uses those results to estimate how many Americans have the condition. Insurance claims data and hospital records provide information about fractures. Large epidemiological studies follow specific populations over time to track how many develop osteoporosis.

Each method has strengths and limits. NHANES gives a broad picture but is conducted only every few years. Insurance data captures people who seek care but misses uninsured or underinsured people. Long-term studies are detailed but follow smaller groups. Researchers combine these sources to build the most complete picture possible, but some uncertainty always remains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is osteoporosis becoming more common?

The rate of osteoporosis diagnosis has been relatively stable in recent decades, but the total number of people with the condition is rising because the population is aging. Whether actual bone density is changing across the population is less clear and depends on factors like physical activity, calcium intake, and hormone replacement therapy use.

Why do the numbers vary between different sources?

Different studies use different methods to measure bone density, different age groups, and different definitions of osteoporosis. Some count only diagnosed cases; others estimate undiagnosed cases. This variation is normal in public health statistics and does not mean one source is wrong—they are measuring slightly different things.

Are men's osteoporosis numbers underestimated?

Yes, likely. Men are screened for osteoporosis far less often than women, so many cases go undiagnosed until a fracture occurs. Studies that have screened men more broadly suggest the actual number with low bone density is higher than diagnosis rates show.

What percentage of older adults have osteoporosis?

Among women over 70, roughly 25 percent have osteoporosis. Among men over 70, roughly 12 percent have it. These percentages increase with age, so the oldest adults have the highest rates. Rates vary by race and ethnicity as well.

How do U.S. osteoporosis rates compare to other countries?

Osteoporosis is common worldwide, but rates vary by country based on genetics, diet, physical activity, and screening practices. European countries and Japan have conducted large screening studies and report similar or higher rates than the United States in some age groups, though direct comparisons are difficult because screening methods differ.