Which population is at the highest risk for developing osteoporosis?

Postmenopausal women are at the highest risk for developing osteoporosis due to hormonal changes that occur during menopause. The decrease in estrogen levels has a significant impact on bone density, as estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone mass. After menopause, women can lose up to 20% of their bone density in the first five to seven years, significantly increasing their vulnerability to osteoporosis and related fractures.

While men over 40, athletes, and children may have their own specific risks regarding bone health, they are generally not at the same heightened risk level as postmenopausal women. Men tend to lose bone density at a slower rate than women, and athletic populations can vary in risk depending on training regimens and body composition. Children typically build bone mass and are in a developmental stage where osteoporosis is not a primary concern. Therefore, postmenopausal women stand out as the group at greatest risk for osteoporosis.