[Epidemiology of osteoporosis].

The risk of osteoporotic fracture is lower in Asia and Africa than Caucasian women in the USA and Europe, but worldwide projections showed that it will probably increase markedly in the future. By 2050,the number of hip fracture increased three to four times higher than that in the present, and over half of all hip fracture will occur in Asia. Up to 50% of the variation in peak bone mass may be determined genetically. Sex hormone deficiency plays a major role in development of osteoporosis. In addition, nutrition, physical activity, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption also affects bone mass. Modification of these risk factors is important to prevent osteoporosis and consequent fracture in future generations.