The thinning of the bones including the reduction in bone mass because of the depletion of calcium and bone protein: Osteoporosis easily results in fractures of the bones, which are often slow to heal and then even heal poorly.

It is more common in older adults, particularly post-menopausal women; in patients on steroids, and in those who take steroidal drugs.

Unchecked osteoporosis can lead to changes in posture, physical abnormality, especially a form of hunch back expressed by some people as "dowager's hump", and a decreased ability to move around.