Canadian survey finds poor bone-health markers in 52% of adults aged 40 to 79

In the first national DXA findings released October 19, Statistics Canada reported that 52% of Canadian adults aged 40 to 79 had bone mineral density (BMD) consistent with poor bone health during the 2022–2024 survey cycle. Thirteen per cent had been diagnosed with osteoporosis or had scan results indicative of it, while 39% had low bone mass.

Among people aged 60 to 79, the combined osteoporosis diagnosis or indicative BMD measure was 28% for females and 14% for males. The findings come from the Canadian Health Measures Survey’s first DXA scans. Its target population is ages 1 to 79, but the territories, reserves and some remote or institutional populations are excluded. A scan finding is not the same as a clinical diagnosis, and the estimates apply to the survey’s covered population.