A study published in the journal BMC Medicine showed that vegetarians are at a higher risk of hip fracture than habitual meat eaters by 33%. In the study, 26,318 cases of women were observed, out of which 822 had presented hip fractures over 20 years. This represented 3% of the sample population after adjusting for certain factors such as smoking and age.

Dr. James Webster, Ph.D., of the School of Food Science and Nutrition stated that the findings of the study highlighted the potential concern and risk of hip fracture in women who follow a vegetarian diet. However, he added that it was not a warning to people to abandon vegetarian diets. He further added that, like any diet, it is important to understand personal circumstances and what nutrients are needed for a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Dr. James added that vegetarian diets can vary from person to person and can be healthy or unhealthy just like diets that include animal products. However, the lower intake of nutrients is the most important concern linked to bone and muscle health among vegetarians. Several types of nutrients are abundant in meat and other animal products, such as protein, calcium, and other micronutrients.

The research team found that the average BMI was slightly lower in the vegetarian cohorts in comparison to regular meat eaters. Lower BMI indicates that people are underweight, which means that they have poorer bone and muscle health and a higher risk of hip fracture. 

(Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/vegetarian-women-are-more-likely-to-suffer-a-hip-fracture-than-meat-eating-women-101660314583849.html )