Thousands of women with osteoporosis are not receiving the most effective drugs because of strict prescription rules, an expert has claimed.

Up to one in two women over the age of 50 are affected by osteoporosis, which leads to thinning bones that are easily broken.

A panel discussion and debate on the most effective way to help brittle bones took place at the British Science Festival in Guildford on Monday.

Many osteoporosis sufferers are being prescribed the cheapest drug, alendronate, rather than the more expensive and, often, more suitable ones according to David Reid, of the University of Aberdeen and Neil Gittoes, of Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

Under the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines, doctors are not supposed to move patients on to more expensive alternatives until their condition deteriorates.

The NHS outlines exercise as an excellent way to strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. At least 30 minutes of exercise, a minimum of three to four times a week, in women's fitness wear is a perfect example.

Two types of exercise are particularly important in improving bone density and helping prevent osteoporosis: weight-bearing exercise such as running and resistance exercise like weight lifting .

Donning women's sports wear and doing these types of activities uses muscle strength, where the action of the tendons pulling on the bones boosts bone strength. ADNFCR-2569-ID-19351250-ADNFCR

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