On the eve of the World Osteoporosis Day, it was stated by doctors that in India the number of people affected by osteoporosis was more as compared to Western countries.

They added that bones lead to an increased risk of fractures in osteoporosis and it was fast becoming a lifestyle disease.

Dr Mahesh Bijjawara, spine surgeon at Jain Hospital, said, "The incidence of osteoporotic hip fractures is in the ratio of one woman to one man in India, while in the Western world, it is three women to one man."

He further added that when the person is about 70-80 years of age, the peak incidence of osteoporosis occurs in the West, but in India it afflicts them even at 50.

He stated that during the growing years that are vital for the body, calcium should be taken in adequate quantity to keep the disease at bay.

From mid-30s there was a gradual progressive bone loss and throughout life this continued and in women during menopause this increased.

Estrogens and progesterone hormone replacement therapy are the available treatment options for prevention of post-menopausal osteoporosis, amongst others.

Healthy habits like not drinking alcohol, keeping smoking away, eating a balanced and a healthy diet, exercising regularly and keeping weight under control are the ways to keep the disease away.