Loss of muscle, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink or degrade as a result of disuse, poor nutrition, aging, illness, or injury. This leads to weakness, fatigue, and a loss of strength and endurance for physical tasks.
Some key points about muscle loss:
- It can happen at any age but becomes more common as we get older. Age-related muscle loss is called sarcopenia.
- Lack of physical activity is one of the biggest contributors as muscles need stimulation to maintain their mass and strength.
- Inadequate protein intake can also accelerate muscle loss, as amino acids from protein are needed to repair and build muscle tissue.
- Underlying health conditions like cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes can result in decreased physical activity and nutrient intake, leading to wasted muscles.
- Muscle loss from short-term disuse like a broken bone tends to be easier to regain than age-related muscle wasting.
Struggling with a loss of strength and energy? The expert physicians at Optimal Hormone Health Clinic specialize in customized hormone replacement therapy to help both men and women address muscle loss, fatigue, and other effects of aging.
Some key strategies to counteract muscle loss include:
- Strength training: Lifting weights signals muscles to grow and strengthen. This helps offset sarcopenia.
- Meeting protein needs: Most adults need 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily. Include high-protein foods like eggs, meat, dairy, beans, and nuts.
- Staying physically active: Any movement counts! Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity like walking each week along with some strength training.
- Getting checked for nutrient deficiencies: Bloodwork can uncover lacking nutrients like vitamin D, iron, and B vitamins which are vital for muscle health. Consider supplements if directed by your healthcare provider.
At Optimal Hormone Health Clinic, our anti-aging programs couple hormone therapy with customized nutrition and fitness plans tailored to your needs for comprehensive muscle retention support.
I hope this gives a helpful overview of some key facts related to
muscle loss - an increasingly common condition that can substantially impact strength, function and quality of life. Let me know if you have any other questions!