Osteoporosis Self-Assessment — OSTA Risk Calculator
Two inputs — weight and age — estimate whether a bone-density scan is worth asking about. A screening tool, not a diagnosis.
Your details
Weight in light clothing
Age in completed years
Clinical risk factors (optional)
Select all that apply. These do not change the OSTA index itself, but they are weighed when deciding how strongly to recommend a scan.
OSTA risk result
OSTA index
0
(weight 58kg − age 60yrs) × 0.2 = -0.4
Low riskFor this weight and age, osteoporosis risk is on the lower side.
Routine observation & lifestyle care
Routine observation is reasonable for now. Keep up calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise (walking, stairs, light strength work), avoid smoking and heavy drinking, and avoid rapid weight loss.
How to get a bone-density scan
- Your next national screening bone-density scan is at age 66.
- Insurance coverage applies from age 65 for women and 70 for men, among other criteria. Before that it may be out of pocket.
- Scans are available at orthopedics, OB-GYN, endocrinology clinics, and screening centers. Central DXA of the lumbar spine and hip is the standard.
Evidence & sources
- 📄 Formula & thresholds: Koh LK et al. (2001), Osteoporosis International 12(8):699-705 — developed in 1,442 postmenopausal women across 8 Asian countries
- 🌏 Developed with WHO support; the formula is published openly in many clinical guidelines
- 🏥 National screening scan: Korea NHIS (free for women aged 54 and 66)
- 💳 Insurance coverage: women 65+, men 70+, among other criteria
- 🩺 Diagnostic criteria: Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research — DXA T-score ≤ −2.5 osteoporosis / −1.0 to −2.5 osteopenia
※ This is a screening tool that estimates whether testing is warranted. It is not a medical diagnosis. Always consult a clinician for diagnosis and treatment.
Guide · FAQ · bal.pe.kr tools
See the Guide, FAQ, and About pages. Last updated 2026-08-24. Language: en.