41.7 Percent Of Indonesian People Experience Osteopenia, What Is It?

Image: istockphoto

JAKARTA - Data from the Indonesian Osteoporosis Association (PEROSI) shows that 41.7 percent of Indonesians experience osteopenia. This is a condition of the body with a low bone density.

In full, osteopenia is a condition in which the body's bone density is lower than normal, which is the initial stage of bone loss. This condition occurs when the bone loses minerals faster than the formation of new bones.

This makes the bone weaker and at higher risk of experiencing brokenness. Osteopenia can develop into osteoporosis if not managed properly.

"The peak of bone problems is achieved at the age of 20-30 years, so this period becomes a critical window to prevent osteoporosis. If it is missed, the risk of fracture in the elderly will be much greater," said an orthopedic specialist, dr. Aldico Sapardan, when met in the Sudirman area, Jakarta, was written on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Some of the risk factors that cause osteopenia are aging, hormonal factors such as early menopause, family history, unhealthy lifestyle, medical condition, use of drugs, and eating disorders.

If osteopenia is not managed properly and ends up causing osteoporosis, it could have a negative impact on overall health. This condition can also have an impact on the social and economic of the sufferer.

The risk of fractures that can occur often causes survivors to lose independence. As many as 40 percent of survivors were no longer able to walk alone, and 60 percent still needed help a year after experiencing a fracture.

Thus, osteopenia prevention measures that can lead to osteoporosis must be carried out from now on, such as by implementing a healthy lifestyle. Starting from eating in balance, to being exposed to sufficient sunlight.

"It must start early, such as activities and regular physical exercise, balanced diets rich in calcium content, avoiding cigarettes and alcoholic beverages and excessive caffeine, consuming milk and nuts, just exposure to sunlight before 9 am, and if supplement consumption is needed," he explained.