What is considered the biggest risk factor for hip fracture?

Osteoporosis is considered the biggest risk factor for hip fractures due to its significant impact on bone density and strength. This condition leads to a decrease in bone mass and structural integrity, making bones more susceptible to fractures, particularly in weight-bearing areas such as the hip. Osteoporotic bones can fail under stress from common activities such as falling or even from everyday movements, leading to fractures with minimal trauma.

While age is also a significant factor in hip fractures, as the risk increases as people get older due to both age-related bone density loss and an increased likelihood of falls, osteoporosis specifically addresses the underlying skeletal weakness that directly contributes to fracture risk. With advancing age, the prevalence of osteoporosis rises, further compounding the risk.

The other choices, such as obesity and hypertension, may have various health implications, but they do not directly correlate with the structural weaknesses of bones. Therefore, osteoporosis stands out as the primary risk factor by directly affecting bone health and increasing the likelihood of fractures in a vulnerable population, particularly older adults.