When people think about protecting their health, bone health often takes a back seat to more prominent concerns like cancer or heart disease.

But for women, bone density can become a real issue with age, as osteoporosis weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures.

Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified OB-GYN, certified menopause specialist and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas Medical Branch, talked to Fox News Digital about the severity of this threat.

YOUR FAVORITE WINTER DRINK MAY WEAKEN BONES AND PACK MORE SUGAR THAN A CANDY BAR

“About 50% of women can expect to have an osteoporotic fracture before they die,” she said. “That is triple the rate of men.”

Osteoporosis is defined as a “bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases or when the structure and strength of bone changes,” according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

The condition can cause the bones to become so weak and brittle that a fall or even mild stress, like coughing, can cause a break.

Haver, also founder of The ‘Pause Life, a health and wellness platform focused on supporting women through midlife changes, noted that the “downfall” after these fractures can be “pretty devastating.”

TEA PROTECTS, COFFEE DESTROYS? NEW STUDY REVEALS STARK BONE-DENSITY DIVIDE FOR OLDER WOMEN

Fractures can lead to disability, death and high medical costs, according to a blog post by Haver on The ‘Pause Life’s website.

Risks and warning signs

Haver emphasized that osteoporosis is a “largely preventable” disease.

“Paying attention to the lifestyle, the behaviors, possibly the medications that can prevent osteoporosis earlier in life, will really help stave off some of the loss of independence that women are suffering from as they age,” she told Fox News Digital.

The condition is more likely to occur in those who have hormone imbalances, have undergone gastrointestinal surgery, have low calcium intake or experience disordered eating, according to Haver and the Mayo Clinic. Those with a family history of osteoporosis may also face a higher risk.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

People who have taken corticosteroid medicines for conditions like seizures, gastric reflux, cancer and transplant rejection are more susceptible, as are those with celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney or liver disease, multiple myeloma and rheumatoid arthritis.

Although osteoporosis is sometimes referred to as a “silent disease,” which can progress without symptoms until a fracture occurs, there are a few subtle clues that may indicate “lower than normal” bone density, Haver said.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

These include loss of height, back pain, receding gums, and weak or brittle nails.

Osteoporosis can also be caused by certain unhealthy habits, such as being sedentary, consuming excessive alcohol and using tobacco.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The Mayo Clinic reported, “People who spend a lot of time sitting have a higher risk of osteoporosis than do those who are more active.”

Haver agreed that staying physically active, while getting enough calcium and vitamin D through a healthy diet or supplementation, can help maintain healthy bone density.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

“Engage in weight-bearing exercise and resistance training, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and talk to a doctor about any medications that may affect bone health,” she wrote in her blog post.

“Regular bone density testing may also be recommended for some individuals to monitor their bone health and identify any potential issues early on.”

Cutting two simple things from her diet helped Melissa Joan Hart shed nearly 20 pounds, she revealed in a recent interview.

The actress, best known for her roles in “Clarissa Explains It All” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” lost about 18 pounds after cutting sugar and alcohol as part of what she described as a “longevity journey,” she told People earlier this month.

“I just wanted to feel better. It had nothing to do with losing weight,” Hart, 49, said at Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler’s Grammy viewing party Feb. 1 in Los Angeles. 

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT CUSHING’S SYNDROME, WHICH LED TO AMY SCHUMER’S DRAMATIC WEIGHT LOSS

“I really didn’t think I could lose weight anymore, being in midlife and perimenopause.”

Weight gain during perimenopause and menopause is common, according to the Mayo Clinic, as hormonal changes, aging and lifestyle factors slow metabolism and shift fat toward the belly. But staying active, maintaining a healthy diet, limiting added sugars and alcohol and prioritizing sleep can help minimize weight gain in midlife, experts say.

Hart said her main focus was on improving how she felt, and it has worked.

OPRAH JOINS WAVE OF CELEBRITIES WHO REVEALED DRAMATIC WEIGHT LOSS IN 2025

“I actually feel stronger and better than I have in a really long time,” she said.

Hart said it began by working out more intensely and paying closer attention to her lifestyle. In the process, she discovered intermittent fasting and decided to eliminate sugar and alcohol.

She added that giving up alcohol was an easy decision.

“I just don’t even enjoy drinking. So why bother?” Hart said. “So, I cut these things out of my life, and I started to feel better. And in doing that, I lost a lot of weight and kind of feel great.”

Cutting back on added sugar and alcohol can reduce excess calorie intake and lower the risk of weight gain, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, liver damage and certain cancers, while supporting better overall metabolic health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hart also shared that staying hydrated has been a challenge for her over the years, joking that her husband, musician Mark Wilkerson, notices her dislike for drinking water.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

“My husband says when I drink a glass of water, I make a face like it’s the most disgusting thing on earth,” she said. “I’m sipping on it, like, ‘Eww.’”

Instead, the mom of three said she often reaches for club soda with lime or tea. 

“I’ll do hot tea, cold tea, green tea, peppermint tea — any kind of tea,” she said.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Hart, who turns 50 in April, joins other celebrities who have recently credited cutting alcohol and other lifestyle changes for improved health and weight loss, according to reports.

Last year, Russell Crowe said cutting back on alcohol played a major role in his 57-pound transformation, and “Queer Eye” star Jonathan Van Ness has also spoken out about cutting down on booze and focusing on overall health.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Country singer Jelly Roll has credited long-term wellness and mental health support for his dramatic weight loss, while Matt Damon recently said cutting certain foods, including gluten, helped him slim down for film roles.

Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.

Use escape to exit the menu.