Smoking

Smoking is known to have an adverse effect on bone health: It causes a significant reduction in bone density, leading to an increased risk of fracture. The detrimental effects of smoking on bone appear to be more strongly related to how much a person smokes, rather than how long they have been smoking for.

These negative effects can be partially reversed after smoking is stopped. During the first 10 years after smoking cessation, the risk of bone fracture is more than halved⁹⁶.

Women who smoke throughout their premenopausal years tend to enter menopause 1.5 to 2 years earlier.

Resources for smoking cessation

• Quit (smoking)
• Action on Smoking and Health Australia
• OxyGen (for young people)
• Quit Now - the National Tobacco Campaign

Alcohol

Alcohol abuse is a known risk factor for osteoporosis.

The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) defines low risk drinking for women as no more than two standard drinks per day and at least two alcohol free days per week.

The risk of fracture is not increased if the consumption of alcohol is generally less than two standard drinks a day. However, if alcohol is consumed excessively, the risk of fracture is increased in a dose-dependent fashion.

Resources for alcohol management

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Al-Anon (for friends and family of problem drinkers/alcoholics)
• Australian Alcohol Guidelines

Content updated July 27, 2011