21st July 2023

Osteopenia

Osteopenia is a condition of reduced bone mineral density (BMD), at a lesser degree than osteoporosis. However, people with osteopenia are at risk of developing osteoporosis. The WHO defines osteopenia as a T-score between -1.0 to -2.5.

This is managed conservatively with lifestyle advice to reduce risk factors, as the risk factors for osteoporosis apply the same to osteopenia. This includes smoking cessation, reducing alcohol intake, exercises to strengthen muscles and reduce the risk of falls, adequate dietary calcium and vitamin D intake (if necessary, supplementation) and participation in a fall prevention programme.