Are you the One in Two? Nearly 80% of Britons have never checked their bone health despite osteoporosis causing 550,000 broken bones every year
Millions of people across the UK could be living with an increased risk of osteoporosis and broken bones without even realising it, according to polling results released by the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) ahead of World Osteoporosis Day.
The charity is urging the public to “Know Your Risk” after research carried out in 2025 found that almost 80% of UK adults have never done anything to check or assess their bone health, despite osteoporosis affecting more than 3.5 million people in the UK and causing around 550,000 broken bones every year.
Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more likely to break from a minor fall or simple everyday movements. Yet awareness of the condition’s risk factors remains worryingly low.
As part of its World Osteoporosis Day campaign, the ROS is asking people one simple question:
Are you the 1 in 2?
Around one in two women over the age of 50 and one in five men will break a bone because of osteoporosis. Yet many people remain unaware of the factors that may increase their risk.
Recent survey findings reveal significant gaps in public understanding. A staggering 49% of all UK adults have heard of osteoporosis are unsure of its risk factors which can include:
· A family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures
· Experiencing the menopause
· Certain health conditions, including coeliac disease
· Long-term use of steroid medication and breast cancer treatments
· Previous broken bones after the age of 50
· Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
· Low body weight
· Poor diet lacking in calcium and vitamin D
A survey carried out in 2024 showed that just 28% of UK adults recognise family history as an important risk factor for osteoporosis, despite evidence that having a parent who experienced a hip fracture can significantly increase a person’s own fracture risk. While age and genetics play an important role, experts stress that understanding your risk early can help you take action to protect your bones and reduce your likelihood of future fractures.
Julia Thomson, Specialist Osteoporosis Nurse at the Royal Osteoporosis Society, said:
“Many people assume osteoporosis is simply an inevitable part of getting older, but that’s not the case. There are several factors that can increase your risk, and many people don’t realise they may already have one or more of them.
“The problem is that osteoporosis is often called a silent condition because there are usually no symptoms until a bone breaks. That’s why it’s so important to know your risk before that happens.
“Whether it’s a family history of osteoporosis, going through menopause, medical conditions, or certain medications; understanding the factors that affect your bone health can help you take positive action sooner.
“We want everyone to ask themselves: Could I be at risk? Am I the 1 in 2? Taking our free Great British Bone Check only takes three minutes and could be the first step towards protecting your future bone health.”
The charity is encouraging everyone aged over 50, and anyone concerned about their risk factors, to complete the Great British Bone Check, a free online assessment that provides an instant response as to whether you many need to seek the advice of your GP or medical professional.
Check your risks today!
Unlike many other serious health conditions, osteoporosis often develops with no warning signs. For many people, a broken bone is the first indication that their bones have become fragile.
That’s why the Royal Osteoporosis Society is urging people not to wait for that broken bone to occur before taking action. Could you be the 1 in 2? Take the free Great British Bone Check today and find out your risks in just three minutes.