ROS welcomes the BBC's response to our request for correction of misleading information

The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) welcomes the BBC’s response to our request for a correction following misleading information about osteoporosis that was broadcast on Saturday 18 September on 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.

The episode claimed that patient Bea 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.

In response to our request for a correction, Deborah Sathe, Senior Executive Producer, Casualty, said:

“Casualty follows the lives and relationships of doctors, nurses and patients at the fictional Holby City Emergency Department. While portraying a realistic impression, the drama is also quite clearly a work of fiction and often contains heightened versions of reality. Professional medical advice is taken on all procedures and the production team have on set medical advice at all times. In the case of Bea’s storyline, Casualty recognises that although running isn’t recommended in some literature, jogging can help keep bones strong. Casualty would be happy to work with the Royal Osteoporosis Society in the future and would welcome their input on such storylines.”

Jamie Grier, Director of Development, said:

“We welcome the response from the BBC and their offer to work with the ROS on future storylines to highlight the condition and ensure viewers are receiving the correct information about osteoporosis. If more people understand how to keep bones strong through their diet and regular weight-bearing exercise, we can prevent thousands more people developing osteoporosis and save the NHS millions.”

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.