Nearly 6 crore Indians, out of which 80% are women, suffer from osteoporosis or osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, one in three postmenopausal women is affected, and unless urgently addressed, this silent
epidemic will only deepen further, warns Dr. Dhananjay Gupta, Senior Director Orthopedics, Fortis Vasant Kunj.
Anita was only 40 when her body gave her the first hint that something was wrong. It was an ordinary day, spent rushing from one meeting to another, juggling calls, emails, and the never-ending list of errands that defined her life as a working mother. By evening, as she bent to pick up her five-year-old daughter, a sharp pain shot through her lower back. She dismissed it as fatigue, perhaps the price of sitting for long hours at her desk and sleeping too little. But when the pain persisted, worsening with time, she decided to see her doctor.
What she thought would be a routine checkup, post X-ray, led to a diagnosis of a fracture of the mid spine bone – pathological, as there was no trauma involved. Further investigations, including a bone density test, confirmed an osteoporotic spinal fracture which she hadn’t anticipated. After all, she was still in her forties, active enough, and far from the stereotype of someone frail or elderly. But the results left her stunned: her bones were thinning at a pace alarmingly beyond her years. Apparently, osteoporotic fractures are unusual at 40 years of age but can happen in situations where a person has been on long-term medications for chronic disease. “Long-term steroid use, especially for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, can accelerate bone loss and make younger women vulnerable,” explains Dr. Dhananjay Gupta.
Anita’s shock is a story echoing across thousands of Indian households, though most remain untold until tragedy strikes. Osteoporosis is often called the “silent thief” because it works in secret, gradually leaching strength from the bones until one day, with no warning, a simple fall results in a fracture. For many women, it is only when they break a wrist after slipping in the kitchen, or when chronic knee and back pain refuses to relent, that the truth is revealed. By then, the damage is advanced, and the struggle for mobility, confidence, and independence begins.
India today faces a looming bone health crisis, particularly among women. Studies reveal that approximately 20 percent of Indian women over the age of 50 suffer from osteoporosis. Depending on the age group and region, prevalence rates vary widely from as low as 8 percent to a staggering 60 percent in certain studies. Nearly one in three postmenopausal Indian women already lives with this disease, often without knowing it. “These numbers are not just statistics; they are silent alarms of a public health emergency quietly unfolding,” cautions Dr. Dhananjay Gupta.
If osteoporosis is one part of the crisis, arthritis is the other. India is poised to become the osteoarthritis capital of the world by 2025, with about 60 million cases expected. The disease disproportionately affects women, who often have weaker bones and muscles due to hormonal changes and nutritional deficiencies. For many, arthritis begins with a dull ache in the knees or stiffness after a period of inactivity. Over time, joints become swollen, painful, and resistant, turning once-effortless tasks like climbing stairs or standing from a chair into painful ordeals. For women like Anita, the idea of dancing at family weddings or playing freely with children suddenly becomes uncertain.
What makes both osteoporosis and arthritis so insidious is their tendency to remain invisible until they manifest through fractures or debilitating joint pain. There are rarely obvious early warning signs, and women conditioned to endure discomfort, dismiss pain as tiredness, or prioritize family needs over their own health often ignore the signals their bodies send. By the time they seek medical help, their bones may already be dangerously fragile, or their joints may have undergone irreversible wear. The consequences extend far beyond physical health. Loss of mobility means loss of independence, often leading to depression, isolation, and a sharp decline in quality of life.
Experts point out that several risk factors unique to Indian women make them particularly vulnerable. Diet is one of the foremost. Despite being the land of milk and sunshine, India has alarmingly high rates of calcium and vitamin D deficiency. Urban lifestyles have contributed to reduced sun exposure, while dietary patterns often fail to provide enough calcium. Vegetarian diets, when not supplemented thoughtfully, can fall short on essential nutrients required for bone strength. Early menopause, common in Indian women, accelerates bone loss due to declining estrogen levels. Add to this a sedentary lifestyle long office hours, minimal physical activity, and increasing reliance on convenience and the stage is set for weakening bones. Genetics plays a role too, but awareness of family history is often low, leaving women unprepared. “Despite being the land of milk and sunshine, India continues to struggle with calcium and Vitamin D deficiencies, which remain the biggest contributors to bone fragility,” notes Dr. Dhananjay Gupta.
The tragedy is that these conditions, though formidable, are neither inevitable nor untreatable. They can be prevented, delayed, or managed effectively if women act early. “Regular bone density tests after 45 and simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in prevention,” advises Dr. Dhananjay Gupta. Incorporating calcium-rich foods like dairy, ragi, and green leafy vegetables; ensuring adequate vitamin D through safe sun exposure or supplements; and building a routine of weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, or yoga can make a remarkable difference. These small but consistent steps not only strengthen bones and joints but also protect against a host of lifestyle diseases.
Medical science too offers hope. Early intervention with medication, supplements, and physiotherapy can arrest or slow down the progression of osteoporosis and arthritis. Awareness campaigns are beginning to highlight the importance of bone health, but much more needs to be done. In India, conversations around women’s health often center on reproductive health or heart disease, leaving bone health neglected despite its profound impact on longevity and quality of life.
The cost of inaction is immense. Fractures in older women can be life-changing, often requiring surgery, prolonged bed rest, and long-term care. Arthritis, left untreated, can make even basic independence impossible. For families, the emotional and financial toll is overwhelming. Yet, with awareness and timely action, these outcomes are preventable.
Anita, like many women, has had to completely rethink her relationship with her own health. She now follows a structured treatment plan, takes supplements prescribed by her doctor, and has embraced yoga and brisk walking as non-negotiables in her daily routine. She admits it was a frightening wake-up call, but also a blessing in disguise. “If I hadn’t gone for that bone test, I would have gone on ignoring the signs. By the time I realized, it might have been too late,” she says. Her story is a reminder that awareness is the first step to empowerment.
The larger message for Indian women is urgent but hopeful. Bones are not static; they are living tissue, constantly breaking down and rebuilding. The earlier one invests in bone health, the stronger and more resilient they remain with age. Every stage of life presents an opportunity — childhood and adolescence to build strong bones, adulthood to maintain them, and later years to protect them. It is never too early, and never too late, to start.
As India stares at the possibility of becoming the osteoarthritis capital, and as osteoporosis continues its silent march through women’s lives, the need for action is undeniable. Families, communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers must all recognize bone health as a priority, not an afterthought. Women must be encouraged to speak about their pain, seek medical advice, and put their health on the agenda.
“The silent bone thief can be defeated with awareness, early screening, and timely treatment,” emphasizes Dr. Dhananjay Gupta. “Women must prioritize their bone health just as much as any other aspect of well-being.”
The final message is clear: bone health is not a luxury, it is a lifeline. Protect it with vigilance, nurture it with care, and defend it with every tool available. The thief may be silent, but women’s voices must not be. It is time to speak loudly, act decisively, and ensure that strength, not fragility, defines the future of Indian women.
