Dr Taher Mahmud
Rheumatology

15 things you might not know about bone loss and osteoporosis

Written in association with: Dr Taher Mahmud

Published: 24/10/2017

Edited by: Emily Lawrenson

Osteoporosis is often thought of to be a condition which only affects older people, or women. The reality is, however, that it affects many people across all walks of life, and across genders around the world. Here, Dr Taher Mahmud of the London Osteoporosis Clinic talks us through 15 facts about our bones and osteoporosis - some of which might surprise you!

Bone is actually a living, growing organ in the body, which is strong, but flexible.
We constantly lose old bone and form new bone throughout our lives.
Past the mid-life point, bone loss usually starts to become greater than bone formation across the general population, affecting both men and women.
When you lose too much bone, or do not make enough of it, or perhaps a combination of both, this is osteoporosis.
Approximately 3 million people in the UK suffer from osteoporosis.
Some bone loss can be a result of certain kinds of medication.
Even though bone loss affects both men and women, roughly half of all women and 1 in 4 men over the age of 50 will break a bone as a direct result of osteoporosis.
Women lose up to 20% of their bone density in the five to seven years surrounding the menopause.
By around age 80, Caucasian women have usually lost around one third of their hip bone density.
Broken hips are on the rise, and can be fatal, resulting in 1150 monthly deaths in the UK alone.
If your parents experienced bone breaks in adulthood, your chances of having osteoporosis are greater, as osteoporosis has genetic elements.
The most common osteoporosis breaks happen in the wrist, spine, or hip. A broken bone in the back may cause a sharp pain, but it also may show no symptoms at all.
In those with osteoporosis, breaks can result from even small everyday actions, such as sneezing, lifting, bumping into something, or even hugging someone.
Osteoporosis often shows no symptoms, so many people do not actually know they are affected by it until they break a bone.
Osteoporosis is common, but it is manageable, treatable, and preventable.

By Dr Taher Mahmud

Rheumatology in London

Dr Taher Mahmud is a distinguished consultant rheumatologist based in central London and Tunbridge Wells. He is renowned for his expertise in osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and inflammatory arthritis. Dr Mahmud qualified in medicine from King's College London before undertaking training at various esteemed institutions including St Thomas', and Pembury Hospitals. He also completed an esteemed research fellowship at King&rsq...

By Dr Taher Mahmud
Rheumatology

Dr Taher Mahmud is a distinguished consultant rheumatologist based in central London and Tunbridge Wells. He is renowned for his expertise in osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and inflammatory arthritis.

Dr Mahmud qualified in medicine from King's College London before undertaking training at various esteemed institutions including St Thomas', and Pembury Hospitals. He also completed an esteemed research fellowship at King’s College Hospital, also gaining an MD and a Master’s in biochemistry. He further honed his skills in rheumatology through specialist training at King's College, the Lupus Unit at St Thomas', and Guy's Hospital Rheumatology Units. Dr Mahmud has served as a consultant rheumatologist since 2000, and was awarded fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians in 2014. Boasting more than 30 years of experience, Dr Mahmud has held various prominent roles throughout his career, including as cofounder and clinical lead for osteoporosis at the London Osteoporosis Clinic, and has also received a Clinical Excellence Award in recognition of his excellence and dedication to his practice. He currently sees private patients at HCA UK, The Shard and 25 Harley Street.

Additional to his clinical practice, Dr Mahmud has held a number of esteemed positions in public associations throughout his career, with a particular focus on improving patient experience and outcomes, including as a member of the MTW Patient Experience Committee and as an organiser and chair of conferences on patient experience at the Royal Society of Medicine. In recognition of his commitment to drive improvement in this area, he was awarded an NHS Innovations award for patient feedback. He has also been actively involved in medical education throughout his career, having lectured and trained a wide range of medical students and fellow practitioners.

With a wealth of expertise and experience, Dr Mahmud continues to make significant contributions to the field of rheumatology. He has appeared in numerous peer-reviewed publications and has authored his own book on the subject of patient care and feedback. Dr Mahmud is passionate about raising awareness of the prevention of osteoporosis fractures and maintaining healthy bones. He has appeared on several podcasts as an expert speaker on bone health and osteoporosis and the menopause. Dr Mahmud is also a member of various professional organisations, including the American College of Rheumatology, British Medical Association, British Society of Rheumatology, General Medical Council and the Royal Society of Medicine.

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