Osteopenia describes a state of decreased bone mineral density (BMD), in which bone density is below normal but not low enough to be considered osteoporosis.[1] BMD is correlated with bone strength, which is reduced in osteopenia, increasing the risk of bone fractures (broken bones).[2][3] In some people, osteopenia may progress to osteoporosis, which further increases the risk of fractures, disability, and death.[3][1]
A 2022 meta-analysis including participants from 30 different countries estimated the global prevalence of osteopenia to be 40.4%, although rates varied widely between countries and developing countries had the highest prevalence. Postmenopausal women are disproportionately affected by reduced BMD due to reductions in estrogen, but men are also impacted by low BMD. This global meta-analysis reported higher rates of osteopenia in men than in women, but higher rates of osteoporosis in women, indicating that women are more likely than men to progress to osteoporosis.[4]