Which of the following is not a primary risk factor for osteoporosis?

High body weight is not considered a primary risk factor for osteoporosis. In fact, certain studies suggest that higher body weight or a higher body mass index (BMI) may have a protective effect against the development of osteoporosis because increased weight can result in greater mechanical loading on bones, potentially enhancing bone density.

In contrast, Caucasian ethnicity, advancing age, and smoking are well-established primary risk factors for osteoporosis. Caucasian individuals tend to have a higher risk due to genetic and metabolic factors influencing bone health. Advancing age is a critical risk factor because bone density naturally declines as part of the aging process, leading to greater susceptibility to bone loss. Smoking negatively impacts bone health by inhibiting the absorption of calcium and reducing estrogen levels, a hormone essential for maintaining bone density.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing how different risk factors contribute to the likelihood of developing osteoporosis.