Various factors linked to risk

Doctors at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York offered free bone mineral density tests to 200,000 women who had not been diagnosed with the disease.

They used a follow-up questionnaire to determine the risk to women of breaking their bones.

They found that women with osteopenia were at 1.5 times more likely to break a bone within one year compared with those with normal bone density. Those who had osteoporosis were at 3.5 times the risk.

The researchers found that age, personal or family history of fracture and smoking were associated with increased risk. Those of Asian or Hispanic backgrounds were also more likely to suffer from the disease.

Women with higher body mass index who exercise and drink alcohol were less likely to develop the condition.

Strategies needed

Writing in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researcher Ethel Siris said: "The report reaffirms the existence of a large population of women expected to live well into the 21st century who are at risk for future fracture."

In an accompanying editorial Charles Chesnut of the University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, suggested health providers should review the way they treat women at risk of osteoporosis.

"Based on the current study, strategies to identify, manage, and treat osteoporosis in primary care need to be established and implemented - hopefully, sooner rather than later."