INTERNATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS FOUNDATION

One-Minute Osteoporosis Risk Test

19 easy questions to help you understand the status of your bone health

Your Non-modifiable Risk Factors – What you cannot change!

These are risk factors that one is born with or cannot alter. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of risk factors you cannot change so that steps can be taken to reduce loss of bone mineral.

1. Have either of your parents been diagnosed with osteoporosis or broken a bone after a minor fall (a fall from standing height or less)?

yes

no

2. Did either of your parents have a stooped back (dowager’s hump)?

yes

no

3. Are you 40 years old or older?

yes

no

4. Have you ever broken a bone after a minor fall, as an adult?

yes

no

5. Do you fall frequently (more than once in the last year) or do you have a fear of falling because you are frail?

yes

no

6. After the age of 40, have you lost more than 3 cm in height (just over 1 inch)?

yes

no

7. Are you underweight (is your Body Mass Index less than 19 kg/m2)?

(See: “How to calculate your BMI”)

yes

no

8. Have you ever taken corticosteroid tablets (cortisone, prednisone, etc.) for more than 3 consecutive months (corticosteroids are often prescribed for conditions like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and some inflammatory diseases)?

yes

no

9. Have you ever been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis?

yes

no

10. Have you been diagnosed with an over-active thyroid, overactive parathyroid glands, type 1 diabetes or a nutritional/ gastrointestinal disorder such as Crohn’s or celiac disease?

yes

no

For Women:

11. For women over 45: Did your menopause occur before the age of 45?

yes

no

12. Have your periods ever stopped for 12 consecutive months or more (other than because of pregnancy, menopause or hysterectomy)?

yes

no

13. Were your ovaries removed before age 50, without you taking Hormone Replacement Therapy?

yes

no

For Men:

14. Have you ever suffered from impotence, lack of libido or other symptoms related to low testosterone levels?

yes

no

Your Lifestyle Risk Factors – What you can change!

These are modifiable risk factors which primarily arise because of diet or lifestyle choices.

15. Do you regularly drink alcohol in excess of safe drinking limits (more than 2 units a day)?

(See: “How to estimate your alcohol consumption”)

yes

no

16. Do you currently, or have you ever, smoked cigarettes?

yes

no

17. Is your daily level of physical activity less than 30 minutes per day (housework, gardening, walking, running etc.)?

yes

no

18. Do you avoid, or are you allergic to milk or dairy products, without taking any calcium supplements?

yes

no

19. Do you spend less than 10 minutes per day outdoors (with part of your body exposed to sunlight), without taking vitamin D supplements?

yes

no

Understanding Your Answers:

- If you answered “yes” to any of these questions it does not mean that you have osteoporosis.

- Positive answers simply mean that you have clinically-proven risk factors which may lead to osteoporosis and fractures.

- Please show this risk test to your doctor who may encourage you to take a FRAX risk assessment /or have a bone mineral density (BMD) test. In addition your doctor will advise on what treatment, if any, is recommended.

Even if you have no or few risk factors, you should discuss your bone health with your doctor and monitor your risks in the future.

Note: this test is intended to raise awareness about osteoporosis risk factors. It is not a scientifically validated test.

How to Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.

BMI Categories:

Underweight = below 18.5

Normal weight = 18.5 – 24.9

Overweight = 25 – 29.9

Obesity = 30 or greater

BMI

Metric BMI Formula BMI = weight in kilograms

------------------------------

height in meters

How to Estimate Your Alcohol Consumption

A unit of alcohol is equivalent to 10 ml (or approximately 8 grams) of pure ethanol, the active chemical ingredient in alcoholic beverages. Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

A rough guide

Beer : (4% Alcohol) : 250ml = 1 unit

Wine : (12.5% Alcohol) : 80ml = 1 unit

Spirits : (40% Alcohol) : 25ml = 1 unit