Understanding osteoporosis: a common and manageable condition
This week, 23andMe released a new report on osteoporosis for 23andMe+ Premium members.
Osteoporosis is a condition where bone density becomes too low, making bones more fragile and more likely to break or fracture. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, about half of females and up to a quarter of males in the U.S. will break a bone due to low bone density.
Osteoporosis is sometimes called a “silent disease” because it usually has no symptoms until people break a bone. These breaks – most commonly in the spine, hip, or wrist – can be caused by minor falls, normal activities like bending or lifting, or even spontaneously. Fortunately, osteoporosis is highly actionable if diagnosed early. There are medications that can slow bone loss, and strategies that can help prevent falls.
The role of DNA in bone health
According to published data, it’s estimated that genetics explains ~60-80% of the variability in bone density. Knowing about one’s genetic likelihood of developing osteoporosis can prompt early conversations with healthcare providers to determine if screening might be appropriate.
Ways to take action
It can also help to implement strategies to avoid falls and to take preventative measures such as:
- making exercise (especially weight-bearing exercise) part of your daily routine
- eating a healthy diet with plenty of vitamin D and calcium
- maintaining a healthy weight (being underweight is associated with increased risk)
- avoiding alcohol and smoking.
About the 23andMe Osteoporosis report
23andMe+ Premium’s new Osteoporosis report* estimates one’s genetic likelihood of osteoporosis using a statistical model known as a polygenic risk score (PRS). The report uses an individual’s genetic results at many genetic markers, along with their genetic ancestry and birth sex, to estimate the likelihood of developing osteoporosis. The Osteoporosis report was developed by 23andMe scientists and clinical experts using data from 23andMe’s customers who consented to participate in research.
A published white paper fully details the science and methodology behind 23andMe’s PRS technology. While the genetic variants included in the report play a role, the report does not account for all factors that could impact a person’s likelihood of developing osteoporosis.
Learn more
23andMe+ Premium members can click here if they wish to view their report.
Current 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service customers on the current genotyping chip can receive this and 35+ other reports by joining a 23andMe+ Premium membership within their account. Learn more here.
Not a 23andMe+ Premium member yet? Learn more about what 23andMe has to offer here.
NOTE: Within this blog post and the Osteoporosis report, we use the word “male” to refer to people whose birth sex is male and “female” to refer to people whose birth sex is female. However, we recognize that being categorized by birth sex may be an uncomfortable experience for some people, and we do not mean to delegitimize anyone’s gender identity. Learn more about why we made this decision in this help article.
* The 23andMe Osteoporosis PRS report is based on a genetic model that includes data and insights from 23andMe consented research participants and incorporates more than 22,000 genetic variants to provide information on the likelihood of developing osteoporosis. The report does not describe a person’s overall likelihood, does not account for lifestyle or family history and has not been reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration. The Osteoporosis PRS report is not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions or determine any treatment.
