The number of people affected by osteoporosis in India is higher than those in Western countries,doctors in the city said on the eve of the World Osteoporosis Day.

Osteoporosis, a disease of the bones that leads to an increased risk of fracture, was becoming a lifestyle disease, they said.

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. Also in the West, the peak incidence of osteoporosis occurs only when the person is about 70-80 years of age, while in India it afflicts them even at 50." He also underlined the importance of adequate calcium intake during the growing years to prevent the disease.

There was a gradual progressive bone loss from the mid-30s, which continued throughout life and was accelerated during menopause in women, he added.

Treatment options available for prevention of post-menopausal osteoporosis include estrogens and progesterone hormone replacement therapy, amongst others.

Leading a healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking, curtailing alcohol consumption, regular exercise and a balanced diet will help in keeping the disease at bay.