Patients should be screened much earlier for osteoporosis to avoid the need for extensive osteoporosis treatment later in life, according to a leading rheumatologist.

Dr. Taher Mahmud, co-founder of the London Osteoporosis Clinic, told the United Nations Foundation conference on Integrated Health that implementing early screening had a significant impact on reducing the incidents of the condition.

Dr Mahmud said action was needed “to prevent a situation where older people are facing a retirement blighted by osteoporosis, which can be prevented or reversed with the right treatment.”

“On average, one person every minute in the UK experiences a fracture caused by weakened bones,” he said.

“Yet osteoporosis and frailty are not inevitable conditions of ageing if we take the right action.”

There are over three million people in the UK with osteoporosis, with the likelihood of developing the condition increasing with age. Over half of women over 50 and one third of men over 60 will have a ‘low trauma fracture’ which occur due to osteoporosis or frailty.

Osteoporosis causes around half a million broken bones every year in the UK at a cost of over £4.5 billion, which includes £1.1 billion on social care. Hip fractures account for £2 billion of the cost.

“At the London Osteoporosis Clinic, we have had great success with our holistic approach to treatment, including a patient in their 60s who experienced significant improvements to their bone density and was even able to resume skiing,” Dr Mahmud said.

“Our goal is to shift the paradigm from treating osteoporosis to preventing it entirely,” said Dr. Mahmud. “By implementing early screening and comprehensive lifestyle interventions, we can dramatically reduce the incidence of this debilitating condition.

“Our approach includes nutritional advice and tailored dietary plans to support bone health alongside strength training and flexibility, incorporating practices like yoga into targeted exercise plans.

“But first and foremost, we empower patients with the knowledge to be at the heart of their own health, understanding their condition and why we recommend a variety of treatments, not just medication.

“It’s our goal to reverse or reduce the condition and its impact on a person’s health, allowing them to live a full and active life where they understand that immobility and poor diet is one of the worst things you can do as you age.”

Dr. Mahmud also announced the formation of an international coalition to advance osteoporosis prevention and treatment globally. The initiative aims to promote early screening, educate healthcare providers on holistic approaches, and advocate for policy changes to support bone health across all age groups.

“We are living in a world with an ageing population, which is why not only am I calling for earlier and more widespread screening for osteoporosis and osteopenia but a greater understanding of why it is so important that we do this,” he said.

“Many people are unaware that they have a problem with their bone density until they experience a fracture. Not only does this decrease mortality and quality of life for patients, but it places huge pressure on health and social care services.

“But with primary care in the UK experiencing such high demand, the focus on preventative screening programmes and treatment has never been more important. That is why I want to share my knowledge and experience with other clinicians and the international coalition will be a vehicle to deliver that.”