Which lifestyle choice is considered a risk factor for developing osteoporosis?

Cigarette smoking is indeed considered a significant risk factor for developing osteoporosis. The chemicals in cigarettes can interfere with the body's ability to absorb calcium, which is essential for maintaining bone density and strength. Additionally, smoking can negatively affect the hormones that are critical for bone health, such as estrogen in women, making bones more susceptible to loss of density. This connection underlines the importance of avoiding smoking as a preventive measure against osteoporosis.

Regular exercise contributes positively to bone health by increasing bone density and strength, while eating sufficient calcium and balanced alcohol consumption (limited to moderate intake) are supportive of maintaining healthy bone structure. Therefore, lifestyle choices that involve smoking can significantly heighten the risk of osteoporosis compared to the other options that promote bone health.