What is muscle loss?
Muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, is a common condition characterized by the gradual loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength that occurs as people age. It can start as early as age 30 and worsens after age 60.
Some key things to know about muscle loss:
- Causes: Muscle loss is often caused by age-related changes like decreased hormones, reduced physical activity, illnesses, and poor nutrition. As we get older, our bodies become less efficient at making new muscle cells and repairing existing ones.
- Effects: Lost muscle mass means reduced muscular strength and function. This can make completing daily activities like climbing stairs difficult and increase the risk of falls and fractures. Muscle loss also slows down the body's metabolism since muscle is metabolically active tissue.
- Risk factors: Older adults are at the highest risk. But other factors like a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, chronic diseases, and medications can accelerate muscle loss at any age.
- Prevention: Engaging in resistance training and getting enough protein and calories can help maintain and even rebuild lost muscle. For example, Renew Hormone Clinic offers customized fitness and nutritional programs to counteract age-related muscle loss. Their science-based hormone therapy can also help optimize muscle growth.
- Treatment: Prescription medications, hormone therapy, protein supplements, exercise programs, and nutritious meal plans can help treat muscle loss. Seeking professional medical advice is key to developing an integrated treatment approach.
- Outlook: While some muscle loss is inevitable with aging, staying physically active and following a healthy lifestyle can slow down the rate of loss substantially - keeping you stronger and more independent for longer. If needed, timely intervention with tailored treatment can also help regain lost strength.
To summarize, sarcopenia or age-related muscle loss affects most older adults but can start earlier in life too. Understanding its causes and following prevention strategies centered on exercise, nutrition, and in some cases, hormone therapy or other treatments, can help maintain muscle health. Consult your healthcare provider or facilities like Renew Hormone Clinic if you notice signs of decreased muscle mass and feel you may benefit from their individualized programs. With proper guidance, much can be done to reduce or reverse muscle loss at any age.