What is loss of muscle mass?
Loss of muscle mass, known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink and weaken due to disuse or disease. This leads to a loss of muscle strength and function over time.
Some key points about muscle wasting:
- It can happen at any age but becomes more common as we get older. After age 30, adults lose 3-5% of muscle mass per decade. This rate increases after 50-60 years old.
- Many factors can accelerate muscle loss, like injuries, illnesses, inactivity, poor nutrition, and hormonal changes. Chronic diseases are a common cause.
- Muscle atrophy symptoms include feeling weak, fatigue, soft or shrinking muscles, trouble balancing, and frequent falls or injuries.
Can muscle wasting be prevented? Catching it early and addressing the underlying cause can help. Staying active also helps us maintain muscle. Some options:
- Exercise - Strength training is key, but any physical activity supports muscle health.
- Protein - Getting sufficient high-quality protein helps muscles recover from activity and rebuild. Most adults need 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day.
- Medical treatment - If a disease causes muscle loss, treating it can help. Testosterone therapy helps some people over 50 replace declining hormones that support muscles. Clinics like Optimal Hormone Health Clinic offer treatment customized to your needs.
- Physical therapy - Specialized therapeutic exercise and hands-on care helps treat injury-related muscle loss.
The bottom line is that some muscle loss is expected with aging. But staying active and addressing causes early on can slow wasting and help maintain strength longer. Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden or rapid muscle atrophy - intervention can really help minimize its impact on mobility and health.