Advances in the research field of osteoporosis in cold areas

Abstract

Abstract While osteoporosis is a chronic disease caused by multiple factors, it is also a risk factor for fractures. At present, numerous risk factors for osteoporosis and secondary fractures have been identified, including sunlight, physical fitness, gender, age, trauma, dietary habits, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, air quality, and genetics. Despite that factors such as long winters, short daylight hours, less daily physical activity, air pollution, low calcium and high salt diet, and sedentary lifestyle could negatively impact the bones of residents in the alpine regions of northern China, the direct effect of low-temperature stimulation on bone growth and development remains unclear. In this study, by reviewing current research progress related to osteoporosis and fracture risk in northern China, we proposed appropriate preventive measures for different risk factors to reduce the occurrence of osteoporosis and fracture in cold areas of northern China.