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ROS Criticises BBC’s Casualty for Misleading Portrayal of Osteoporosis and Calls for a Correction

Head office

20 Sep 2021

The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) has today contacted the BBC to request a correction following misleading information about osteoporosis that was broadcast in Saturday night’s episode of the long-running hospital drama, Casualty.

3.5m people live with osteoporosis (weak bones) in the UK, but it’s called ‘the silent condition’ because of low levels of public understanding. There are numerous misconceptions about the bone health disease, which is often mistaken for an inevitable part of ageing, whereas, with the right lifestyle and support, it’s largely preventable.

Saturday’s storyline, involving Bea, claimed that she would need to stop running because she had low bone density – suggesting that running increases the risk of serious damage in people living with osteoporosis. Actually, viewers need to know that the opposite is true. Running – like many other types of weight-bearing exercise – is, in fact, a very good way to keep bones strong, helping to prevent osteoporosis and build stronger bones.

Patients with spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis might need to have some discussion with their doctor about running but are often fine to continue with their usual exercise.

Craig Jones, Chief Executive, said:
“If more people understand how to keep bones strong, we can prevent many thousands more people developing osteoporosis. We’re worried that viewers who use running as part of their bone health routine will be left feeling very anxious after watching last night’s Casualty, and that many may stop running unnecessarily. It’s important that medical dramas get their facts right, so we’re calling on the BBC to issue a correction.”

Weight-bearing exercise – including running – can help maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis. Taking a vitamin D supplement, stopping smoking, and increasing the amount of calcium in your diet can also strengthen bones.

Osteoporosis costs the NHS £4.6bn per year, a figure which is expected to rise by 26% by 2030, unless we can encourage the population to take more preventative action.

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