Study shows low awareness of osteoporosis risk in men

Not enough people have an accurate perception of the risk of osteoporosis experienced by men, according to a new report from the International Osteoporosis Foundation.

A YouGov survey of 13,258 individuals worldwide conducted on behalf of the organisation has revealed that only a minority of people are aware that one in five men over the age of 50 are affected by the condition.

Indeed, 73 percent of those polled underestimated the risk of fracture in men and a further 17 percent said they simply did not know, with only eight percent of men guessing correctly. UK males performed worst in the survey, with only three percent getting the right answer.

Moreover, males in the over-50s age bracket group who had had a check-up were shown to be 18 percent less likely than women of the same age to have had any form of bone health assessment.

Professor John Kanis, president of the International Osteoporosis Foundation, said: "The sad reality is that by not knowing their risk, men are leaving themselves vulnerable to a future of pain, disability and possibly early death."

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It is estimated to affect around three million people in the UK.