We talk about our hearts, our lungs, and our waistlines. We track our sleep, our steps, and our calories. Yet, for all our focus on health, there is one part of our body that we rarely discuss until it is too late: our bones.
Your bones are not static structures. They are living, dynamic tissue that constantly renews themselves, keeping you strong, stable, and mobile. But just like any other part of your body, your bones can weaken over time, often silently.
At BodyView, we see every day how much people care about fat loss, muscle gain, and fitness. Yet many have never stopped to ask the simple but vital question: how strong are my bones?
The Bone Health Silent Crisis in the UK
Bone health is one of the most under-discussed health topics in the UK, and the statistics are striking. Around 3,775,000 people in the UK have a diagnosis of osteoporosis, with 2,955,000 women and 820,000 men affected. Women are disproportionately affected, particularly white women over 50, due to hormonal changes after menopause that accelerate bone loss.
Each year in the UK, around 527,000 new fragility fractures occur. Of these, approximately 105,000 are hip fractures and 86,000 vertebral fractures, with the remainder occurring in ribs, pelvis, forearm, humerus, and other sites. Over a lifetime, one in two women aged over 50 will sustain an osteoporotic fracture compared with one in five men.
The prevalence of osteoporosis, as defined by a femoral neck BMD T-Score of 2.5 or lower, is estimated at 21.8 percent in women aged 50 and over and 6.8 percent in men of the same age group. Across Europe, including the UK, about 22.1 percent of women aged 50 and over and 6.6 percent of men in the same age bracket are estimated to have osteoporosis. In white women especially, studies suggest lower peak bone mass and more rapid bone loss post-menopause.
These figures paint a stark picture: bone fragility is a major public health issue. Many people live for decades with reduced bone strength before a fracture occurs.
Why We Don’t Think About Our Bones
Bones are out of sight and often out of mind. They support us, protect our organs, and allow movement. Because we cannot see or feel them deteriorating, bone loss can continue unnoticed for years.
Many people assume they are not at risk, especially those who look healthy, eat well, and exercise. But bone density varies widely between individuals. You can have strong muscles but fragile bones.
The Gold Standard: Bone Density DEXA Scans
At BodyView, we use bone density DEXA scans, the gold standard for measuring bone health in the UK. DEXA is widely recognised in research, clinical medicine, and elite sports for its precision and accuracy.
A Bone Density DEXA scan measures how much calcium and other minerals are in your bones, usually at the hips and spine. Results are given as a T-score, comparing your bone density with that of a healthy young adult:
A T-score of 1.0 or above is normal
Between 1.0 and 2.5 indicates low bone mass
2.5 or lower suggests osteoporosis
The scan is quick, safe, and non-invasive, using very low levels of X-ray radiation.
Knowledge Empowers Action
Understanding your bone density gives you the power to act early. Bone loss does not happen overnight, and there are many ways to slow, stop, or even reverse it through targeted nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
At BodyView, we go beyond a standard bone density scan. Our advanced technology provides detailed insights into your body composition, including fat, muscle, and bone mass distribution. These insights are combined into our exclusive BodyComp Pro reports, which provide a level of depth and clarity unmatched by other UK clinics.
Why Bone Loss Happens
Bone density peaks in your late twenties and gradually declines with age. For women, the drop becomes more pronounced after menopause when oestrogen levels fall. Oestrogen helps maintain bone mass, so its reduction accelerates bone thinning.
Other risk factors include family history, low body weight, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, sedentary lifestyle, poor calcium or vitamin D intake, and certain medications such as corticosteroids.
Men are not immune. Although men generally have higher bone mass, they can still develop osteoporosis, particularly in later life.
Exercise for Stronger Bones
Weight-bearing and resistance exercises are most effective at stimulating bone growth. Brisk walking, climbing stairs, dancing, and strength training all place stress on bones, prompting them to rebuild and strengthen.
Our BodyView assessments measure muscle balance and strength ratios, helping you target areas that matter most. Combining DEXA insights with a personalised training plan ensures both muscles and bones are optimally supported.
Nutrition for Bone Health
Bones require a range of nutrients to stay strong. Calcium and vitamin D are essential, but protein, magnesium, vitamin K, and zinc also contribute. Low protein can slow bone repair, while vitamin D deficiency limits calcium absorption.
BodyView’s metabolic testing identifies your daily caloric needs, ensuring nutrition supports strong bones and overall body composition.
The Muscle-Bone Connection
Strong muscles protect bones by improving balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls and fractures. Muscle contractions during exercise apply stress to bones, maintaining their strength.
DEXA body composition scans measure both lean mass and bone density, showing how well these systems work together. Imbalances can be identified and corrected through tailored exercise and nutrition plans.
Bone Health at Every Age
Bone health is a lifelong concern. Building strong bones early provides a reserve for later years. Monitoring bone density in midlife allows early intervention, and testing in older age helps maintain independence and quality of life.
Preventing Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis often develops silently, without symptoms until a fracture occurs. Early detection through DEXA scans allows preventative action. Lifestyle adjustments, targeted exercise, and nutrition strategies can protect bone mass and reduce fracture risk.
BodyView empowers clients with actionable insights. Prevention is the most effective strategy.
BodyView Services for Bone Health
Bone Density DEXA scans to assess mineral content and fracture risk
DEXA Body Composition Analysis showing fat, muscle, and bone distribution
BodyComp Pro Reports offering comprehensive insights and personalised guidance
Resting Metabolic Rate testing to optimise nutrition for bones and muscles
VO2 Max testing to assess cardiovascular fitness and its impact on overall health
Empower Yourself Today
Bones are the foundation of everything we do. Strengthening and protecting them is crucial for health, mobility, and independence. A DEXA scan provides a clear, precise snapshot of your skeletal health.
By taking control of your bone health today, you reduce your risk of fractures tomorrow and gain peace of mind knowing your body is resilient from the inside out.
Book your DEXA Bone Density Scan, and get your or BodyComp Pro report today at BodyView and take the first step towards stronger bones, stronger muscles, and a stronger future.