Regular Exercise and Weight-Control Behavior Are Protective Factors against Osteoporosis for General Population: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis from Taiwan Biobank Participants

Abstract

The rising prevalence of osteoporosis, which can lead to osteoporotic fractures, increases morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic burden. Multiple factors influencing bone mass have already been identified. The aim of this study was to investigate whether exercise habits and weight-control behaviors can lower the incidence of osteoporosis in the general population. This retrospective study recruited all participants aged 35–70 years who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) from Taiwan Biobank (TWB). The final analysis consisted of 3320 eligible participants divided into two groups; demographic characteristics, prevalence of clinical symptoms, comorbidities, and daily behavior were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. After propensity score matching with a 1:1 ratio, 1107 out of 2214 individuals were classified into the osteoporosis group. Age, body fat rate, body shape, diabetes mellitus, and social status were found to affect the incidence of osteoporosis. Subjects with a habit of regular exercise and weight-control behavior showed decreased odds of osteoporosis. (odds ratio: 0.709 and 0.753, 95% confidence interval: 0.599–0.839 and 0.636–0.890). In the general population, regular exercise or weight-control behavior lowers the incidence of osteoporosis.