What condition is characterized by weak and brittle bones, often seen in athletes?

The condition characterized by weak and brittle bones is osteoporosis. This condition is particularly relevant to athletes who may experience fatigue fractures due to overtraining, insufficient dietary calcium, or vitamin D deficiency, leading to compromised bone density. Osteoporosis results from an imbalance between new bone formation and old bone resorption, making the bones more susceptible to breaks and fractures.

Athletes, especially those in weight-bearing sports or those with low body fat, may not get enough nutrients to support optimal bone health. The risk increases with factors such as high training volume, inadequate recovery, and dietary restrictions that can affect calcium and vitamin D intake. Understanding osteoporosis in the context of athletic training emphasizes the importance of maintaining bone health through proper nutrition, training practices, and injury prevention strategies.

Osteopenia, while related and often seen as a precursor to osteoporosis, indicates lower than normal bone density but does not yet reach the severity required for an osteoporosis diagnosis.