Bone health crisis emerging among working women, say experts
Team L&M
There is a concerning trend of early-onset bone problems among young women, particularly those in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s. Once seen as a post-menopausal issue, osteoporosis and Vitamin D deficiency are now being detected much earlier, a sign that women’s bone health needs urgent attention.
Bone health should be a priority for working women as sedentary jobs, poor sunlight exposure, stress, and irregular eating habits have become major risk factors. Many women also skip routine check-ups, ignoring symptoms until fractures or chronic pain appear. So, women should take charge of their well-being and follow the advise given by the doctor.
Currently, working women not only face issues such as stress, weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes but even bone problems. Says Dr Anup Gadekar, Orthopedic Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Pune, “Many working women struggle with bone problems. These include early osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, and joint pain due to long sitting hours and poor posture.”
Lack of exposure to sunlight
He informs that the main reason for all this is lack of sunlight, skipping meals, over-dependence on caffeine, and insufficient calcium intake are among the key causes.
“Working women, in particular, spend long hours indoors, which leads to vitamin D deficiency. Nearly 40% of women under 45 visiting outpatient departments (OPDs) complain of persistent knee pain, back discomfort, fatigue, and postural problems. Even more alarming, 1 in 3 women between 25–35 years are being diagnosed with low bone density or Vitamin D deficiency. This indicates a silent health epidemic among the younger population,” he adds,
Dr Gadekar says that the common symptoms seen in working women are backache, knee pain, stiffness, and fatigue. “If ignored, these can lead to frequent fractures, posture deformities, and long-term mobility issues. Timely screening, proper nutrition, and daily physical activity are essential to protect bone health,” he says.
Early diagnosis of bone density must
Dr Gadekar further adds, “Early diagnosis through bone density tests and simple lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, morning walks, and regular exercise can make a big difference. Bone health is not just about age; it’s about awareness and daily care. So, regular vitamin D and calcium screening, proper posture, and including milk, curd, leafy greens, nuts, and fish in the diet. Maintaining weight-bearing exercises like walking, yoga, or strength training can significantly improve bone strength. It is the right time for women to pay attention to the bone health, stay mobile and improve the quality of life.”
Dr Deepak Gautam, Consultant, Joint Replacement & Director of Orthopedic Disciplines, Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai says that bone problems such as joint pain, stiffness, and signs of osteoporosis, such as back pain, stooped posture, and broken bones, which were once common after menopause, are now being seen in younger women.
“Poor diet, lack of physical activity, vitamin D deficiency, and long working hours without exposure to sunlight are the causes of bone problems,” he says.
“To prevent these issues, women should eat calcium-rich foods like leafy green vegetables, nuts, soybeans, tofu, exercise regularly, get enough sunlight for at least 20 minutes a day, and go for routine bone density check-ups as advised by the doctor,” he adds.
