Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs OsteoporosisUpdated: 2017-06-13OverviewOsteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle. The body constantly absorbs and replaces bone tissue. With osteoporosis, new bone creation doesn't keep up with old bone removal.TreatmentsMedications, healthy diet, and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use