London, Nov 17 : Ursula Andress, who became an international sex symbol as the first Bond girl after emerging from the surf in a skimpy bikini in Dr No, is suffering from brittle bone disease osteoporosis.

The actress, now 72, was diagnosed with the life-threatening disease. eight years ago and says she “foolishly refused to take the diagnosis seriously”.

“The doctor told me to take a daily pill to help stop my bones getting any weaker and to take calcium to help keep them strong,” the Daily Express quoted her, as saying.

However, she didn’t pay attention to the advice and now the disease is ravaging her body.

“I don’t want to become a crippled old lady, bent double, who can only shuffle along.”