A leading osteoporosis specialist has welcomed the decision by NICE to recommend a new drug to treat osteoporosis after the menopause.
Dr Taher Mahmud, a consultant rheumatologist at the London Osteoporosis Clinic, says the drug “can play an important role in quickly reducing fracture risk.”
Over 14,000 women who are at risk of fractures following a decrease in bone density can now be prescribed the drug.
Dr Mahmud believes this decision “marks a significant development in bone health management” but warns medication should be secondary to important lifestyle changes.
He said: “The recent recommendation by the National for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) of abaloparatide for treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women marks a significant development in bone health management.
“As the founder and lead consultant at the London Osteoporosis Clinic, I believe this new treatment option can benefit some patients.”
With World Menopause Day approaching, Dr Mahmud says the availability of this new drug should remind people of the importance of bone health for menopausal and post-menopausal women.
He continued: “It is important for all women to put their bone health at the centre of their lifestyle choices, including diet, resistance exercise.
“Menopause can have a significant impact on bone health, as the decrease in oestrogen levels can lead to bone density loss and an increased risk of osteoporosis. This in turn leads to an increased risk of fractures and long-term complications arising from these injuries.”
But Dr Mahmud cautions an over reliance on medication to treat conditions like osteoporosis, saying that prevention over a longer term should remain the priority.
“Our policy is to encourage all women to assess their bone health and take proactive steps to maintain strong bones throughout life.
“So while we welcome the addition of abaloparatide to our treatment arsenal, it’s important to emphasize that drugs play a secondary role in osteoporosis management at our clinic.
“Our philosophy centres on addressing the root causes of bone loss and the identification of problems at an early stage.
“Many people are only diagnosed with osteoporosis after they have suffered from a fracture and we believe it should be identified earlier and, even more importantly, prevented in the first place through patient education.”
The specialist is encouraging people to take a five-minute quiz to see if they are more at risk from developing problems with their bones, with questions on diet, exercise, age and gender.
“While drugs like abaloparatide can increase bone density, they don’t address underlying issues such as poor nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, or hormonal imbalances,” he explains.
“Our holistic approach focuses on these foundational aspects to build stronger bones naturally.
“So while we welcome new treatment options like abaloparatide, our core message remains unchanged: the best approach to osteoporosis combines lifestyle changes, proper nutrition, targeted exercise, and judicious use of medications when necessary.
“This comprehensive strategy offers the best chance for long-term bone health and fracture prevention.
“As healthcare providers, it’s our responsibility to stay informed about new treatments while maintaining a holistic view of patient care. Abaloparatide is a valuable addition to our toolkit, but it’s just one piece of the complex puzzle of osteoporosis management.”
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