Response to news on surges in smoking and heavy drinking during COVID lockdown

The Royal Osteoporosis Society (the ROS) is concerned about the state of the nation’s bone health following the release of findings from University College London and the University of Sheffield which show a significant increase in people smoking and drinking alcohol heavily during lockdown. This combined with a reduction in keeping physically active during the months indoors, could have serious implications for bone health, warns the charity.

As well as increasing a person’s risk of serious health conditions including cancer, liver damage, heart disease and stroke, smoking and excessive alcohol are linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis - a chronic condition which causes bones to lose strength and break more easily.

ROS Chief Executive, Craig Jones, said: “We reach our peak bone health at around the age of 30 and it begins to naturally decline as we get older. This is an important stage in life for people to start thinking seriously about their bone health, so it’s concerning to see the news of 650,000 new smokers amongst the 18 to 34-year-olds age group since the first lockdown. The study also shows an increase in high-risk drinking amongst all age groups.

“We know that only 34%* of adults actively try to improve or maintain their bone health, compared to 64% who try to improve or maintain a healthy weight. It’s important that bone health isn’t overlooked, since it’s also critical for ageing well.

“There are 3.5m people in the UK living with osteoporosis, but there are things we can all do to help prevent it. A healthy balanced diet with adequate calcium, getting enough vitamin D and both weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise are key for good bone health. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol to the recommended amounts are also important.

“Lockdown was a tough period for all age groups, but now that restrictions have loosened we know lots of people are thinking about positive lifestyle changes. It’s never too early - or too late - to start taking action for your bones.”

*Polling sample size was 2082 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 21st - 22nd April 2021. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).