ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Who is primarily affected by osteoporosis?

1. Postmenopausal women

2. Athletic men

3. Teenagers undergoing growth spurts

4. Individuals on high-protein diets

The correct answer is: Postmenopausal women

Osteoporosis primarily affects postmenopausal women due to the significant hormonal changes that occur during menopause, particularly the decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density and strength. After menopause, the decrease in this hormone leads to an increase in bone resorption (the process where bone is broken down) and a decrease in bone formation, resulting in a net loss of bone density. This makes postmenopausal women particularly susceptible to osteoporosis, increasing their risk of fractures and other complications associated with weakened bones. While osteoporosis can affect various populations, it is most commonly found in older adults, particularly women after menopause. Men also can develop osteoporosis, especially with age, but the hormonal changes that occur in postmenopausal women play a more significant role in the development of the condition. Other groups, such as teenagers or individuals on high-protein diets, do not typically experience the same hormonal changes or risks associated with osteoporosis as postmenopausal women do.