The World Osteoporosis Day falls on October 20 every year. On October 9, the Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Disease Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and the Health Communication Branch of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association jointly announced that the Chinese theme of the 2024 World Osteoporosis Day is "Managing Weight and Strengthening Bones", and proposed that all sectors of society should jointly spread the concept of scientific weight management and strong bones on the occasion of the Disease Day to prevent osteoporosis and brittle fractures. Xia Weibo, former chairman of the Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Diseases Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, chairman of the Health Communication Branch of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, and director of the Endocrinology Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, stated that osteoporosis is seriously endangering public health. According to the national osteoporosis epidemiological survey data released in 2018, the incidence rate of osteoporosis in the population over 50 years old in China is 19.2%, with 32.1% in females and 6.0% in males; The incidence of osteoporosis in the population aged 65 and above is 32%, with 51.6% in females and 10.7% in males. Based on this estimate, the current number of osteoporosis patients in China is about 90 million, with approximately 70 million being women. It is reported that the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in China is facing a severe challenge of high prevalence, but low awareness, diagnosis, and treatment rates. The public awareness and diagnosis rates of osteoporosis are 7.4% and 6.4%, respectively; Even after the occurrence of fragility fractures, the treatment rate for osteoporosis is only 30%. At the same time, the prevalence of low bone mass in the 40-49 age group in China is 32.9%, and the prevalence of low bone mass in the 50+age group reaches 46.4%, making them a large high-risk group for osteoporosis. Zhang Zhenlin, Chairman of the Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Diseases Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and Director of the Osteoporosis Center at the Sixth Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, pointed out that weight is an important factor affecting human metabolism and bone health, and can affect bone health at various stages of life. People often pay attention to the impact of low body weight on bone health, but an increasing number of studies indicate that both low body weight and obesity can have adverse effects on bone health. Low body weight is an important risk factor for osteoporosis and fragility fractures. If the body mass index (BMI) is below 19kg/m2, active measures such as increasing energy intake and strengthening exercise should be taken to promote weight gain. When the human body has a healthy weight or moderate weight gain, there is a positive correlation between weight and bone density. However, when the body's fat content is too high, it can lead to an imbalance in bone turnover, resulting in decreased osteoblast activity and increased osteoclast activity, which can accelerate bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Especially for individuals with abdominal obesity, an increase in abdominal fat mass is negatively correlated with bone density. At the same time, overweight and obese individuals are more prone to falls due to limited mobility and osteoporosis, leading to a significantly increased risk of fractures. In terms of strong bones, Li Mei, the incoming chairman of the Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Diseases Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and deputy director of the Endocrinology Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, suggested promoting strong bones through reasonable nutrition and enhancing resistance and strength exercise. Compared to body weight or body mass index, muscle mass has a stronger correlation with bone density. The latest information released by the International Osteoporosis Foundation shows that the most beneficial types of exercise for bone health are weight-bearing exercises and strength training, such as lifting, pushing, running, jumping, and "climbing stairs", which can make bones stronger; In terms of nutrition, it is recommended to maintain a balanced diet and consume sufficient nutrients such as calcium, protein, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Kong Lingzhi, Executive Vice President and Secretary General of the China Association for Health Promotion and Education, and Honorary Chairman of the Health Communication Branch of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, stated that the National Health Commission and 16 other departments released the "Implementation Plan for the 'Weight Management Year' Activity" in June this year, hoping to enhance the awareness and skills of weight management among the public, strengthen weight management, and effectively promote the advancement of chronic disease prevention and control. Two professional organizations have suggested that the theme for World Osteoporosis Day in China be set as "Managing Weight, Strengthening Bones" in order to actively cooperate with the implementation of the Weight Management Year, combining weight management with related chronic disease prevention and control. Subsequently, relevant professional organizations will also launch tools for strengthening bones to better help the public maintain bone health. (New Society)