Dr Amir Khan joins the fight for the nation’s bone health

On World Osteoporosis Day we are delighted to announce Dr Amir Khan will be joining the fight to beat the silent disease as a charity ambassador.  

Full-time GP and best-selling author, Dr Amir Khan, has shared his knowledge and expertise with the nation for many years, in his roles in GPs Behind Closed Doors, Dr Amir’s Sugar Crash and You Are What You Eat, alongside fellow ROS ambassador Trisha Goddard.  

Dr Khan first talked about the work the charity does on ITV’s Lorraine on World Osteoporosis Day last year when the ROS launched the UK’s first bone health risk checker. During the programme Dr Amir explained that osteoporosis is the weakening of bones over time, making them fragile and at more risk of breaking after minimal impact.  

In taking on the role, Dr Khan, said:  

“As a GP I’m pleased to be taking on the role of ambassador for the ROS and encouraging people to think about their bone health. What many people don’t realise is that anyone, at any age, can be at risk of having weaker bones. Our bone health peaks at age 30 and declines further during the menopause for women, so it’s important for all of us to be aware of the things we can do to improve our bone health.  

“I’m really excited there is a tool available to help identify things that may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis and give you tips on how to improve your bone health. This World Osteoporosis Day I urge everyone to check their risk. It takes less than five minutes and it could change your life.”  

Many people think the inside of a bone is solid and unchanging, which is why it’s important for ambassadors like Amir to help raise awareness. Actually, the inside of a bone is a honeycomb-type structure and osteoporosis widens the spaces inside the bone tissue causing it to become less dense and weaker. At the same time, the hard outer surface becomes thinner which also makes bones more prone to breaking.  

An estimated 3.5 million people in the UK have osteoporosis and the condition causes 500,000 broken bones every year. Broken bones aren’t just painful setbacks; they can lead to long-term pain, life-changing disability and social isolation. Over a third of people who break a bone as a result of osteoporosis have to stop work entirely and nearly half of people (48%) who took part in an ROS study said the condition had affected their emotional health.

Since the risk checker launched a year ago, over 200,000 people have used the tool to check their risk, helping an estimated over 19,000 patients to receive an early diagnosis. Osteoporosis patient, Siobhán Lees, said:  

“I was upset when I was first diagnosed as I felt like I was doing everything I could to keep myself healthy. If I’d known when I first fractured my ankle at 52 that I had risk factors for osteoporosis and that I could be at risk of developing the condition, I might have been able to make changes to protect my bones."

“I ended up sleepwalking towards my osteoporosis diagnosis.” 

Craig Jones, Chief Executive at the ROS, said:   

“We’re delighted to welcome Dr Khan as an ambassador. An early diagnosis and the right care can make a lasting and life-changing difference to people’s lives. Dr Khan’s support will help us reach more people than ever before and encourage them to check their risk.” 

To check your osteoporosis risk, please visit theros.org.uk/risk-checker