In the eyes of many, celebrities are unstoppable forces. And why wouldn’t they be? They have access to some of the best stylists, nutritionists and life coaches in the world!
However, celebrities can suffer with chronic health issues, just like us. One common condition that affects many famous women is osteoporosis, as well as its precursor, osteopenia.
Otherwise known as the ‘silent disease’, osteoporosis causes bones to become brittle and break. It currently affects two out of three women over the age of 50, including some of these famous faces.
Sally Field
One of the strongest and most fearless actresses in Hollywood, Sally Field is a spokesperson for osteoporosis awareness after being diagnosed with the disease in 2005.
Speaking with Everyday Health a few years later, Field opened up about her family history with the disease and recommended all women make a bone density scan a part of their health regimen.
Now 71, Field has been managing her osteoporosis with a healthy dose of vitamin D, a body-weight exercise routine and medication. “If you looked at my bone density, you wouldn’t say I have the bones of a 19-year-old, but you would say, ‘that’s healthy bone.’ I like that image that I’m not young, but I’m sturdy — I stand up straight, and I hold my head up high” she says.
Sally Field has been candid about the impact of osteoporosis on her life. (Image: Getty Images)
Gwyneth Paltrow
The Oscar-winning actress, businesswoman and Goop guru revealed that she suffers with osteopenia — a precursor to osteoporosis — in 2010.
After suffering a leg fracture at the age of 37, Gwyneth Paltrow discovered her condition during a bone density scan.
Paltrow’s mother, Blythe Danner, suffers with osteoporosis so it was recommended that Paltrow start taking prescription-strength vitamin D and spending more time in the sun (being sun smart, of course!) after her osteopenia diagnosis.
Blythe Danner
Blythe Danner has become a vocal advocate for osteoporosis awareness and has been part of many US-based campaigns encouraging women to improve their bone health.
Danner first suspected she might have the disease after breaking her foot in 2009, describing the incident as a terrifying experience that threatened her independence. While the diagnosis initially proved scary for Danner, the actress and grandmother said the experience ultimately made her rethink her lifestyle and become healthier.
“I am so grateful for it, actually, because it has made me do something consistently, to do everything I can to make my bones stronger,” she told CBS News in 2011.
Since discovering she had osteoporosis a decade ago, Blythe Danner has become a passionate promoter for good bone health. (Image: Getty Images)
Kerri-Anne Kennerley
She’s one of the most recognisable faces on Australian TV, but throughout her time in the spotlight Kerri-Anne Kennerley has suffered some serious health issues.
A survivor of breast cancer, Kennerley found herself with osteopenia as a result of her cancer treatment drugs, which caused weakened bones.
An ambassador for Osteoporosis Australia, Kennerley’s best advice to both women and men is to find out early, and be aware of the illness. Kennerley also suggests maintaining an active lifestyle, something she adopted herself in order to manage her osteopenia.
Rosalind Shand (Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall’s mother)
While osteoporosis doesn’t directly affect Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, the royal did witness the deterioration of her mother to osteoporosis.
Her exposure to the condition sparked an interest in raising awareness for good bone health and, earlier this year, she launched the official Royal Osteoporosis Society, a charity dedicated to improving awareness, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.
When her mother passed away in 1997, the Duchess said that the disease was rarely discussed or diagnosed, and was commonly attributed to old people. She’s keen to change that viewpoint and advocates that people maintain a healthy diet, exercise and regular bone density scans.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall has been the President of the National Osteoporosis Society since 2001. (Image: Getty Images)
