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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Ella Pickover

Experts warn osteoporosis diagnosis rates in England are ‘flatlining’

  • Experts warn that osteoporosis diagnosis rates in England are "flatlining," with the Royal Osteoporosis Society calling for nationwide access to early diagnosis clinics.
  • The charity highlights a " postcode lottery " for Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), which are crucial for identifying the 3.5 million people in the UK living with the bone-weakening condition.
  • New analysis shows only a slight increase in patients identified by FLS in England, from 77,136 in 2024 to 79,553 in 2025, far short of the 264,000 needed annually.
  • The Royal Osteoporosis Society states that half of women over 50 and one in five men will suffer a bone fracture due to osteoporosis, making it the UK's fourth biggest cause of disability and early death.
  • While the government reiterates its commitment to rolling out FLS by 2030 and investing in DEXA scanners, the charity estimates that at the current pace, this pledge would take 38 years to fulfil.

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