title: The epidemiology and scale of the problem.
abstract: Osteoporosis is an important health problem because of its association with fragility fractures. This article reviews the epidemiology of osteoporosis including its occurrence, risk factors and health impact.
authors.affiliation: ARC Epidemiology Unit, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT.
authors.forename: Terence W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: O'Neill
authors.forename: Dipak K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Roy
mesh_terms: D015519:Bone Density; D005543:Forearm Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors