What is Loss of Muscle Mass?
Loss of muscle mass, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade as a result of aging, illness, or lack of physical activity. This leads to a gradual loss of strength over time. Some key points about muscle atrophy:
- It can happen at any age, but is more common as we get older. After age 30, adults lose about 3-5% of muscle mass per decade if they remain inactive.
- Several health conditions can accelerate muscle loss, like cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, and heart disease. The illnesses themselves plus treatments like chemotherapy speed up muscle breakdown.
- Lack of movement is another main cause. Sedentary lifestyles with too much sitting lead to unused muscles shrinking in size and strength through disuse atrophy.
- Muscle atrophy signs include feeling weak or tired easily, trouble with balance, frequent falls or injuries, and simply losing muscle bulk, tone, and definition over time.
- To reduce muscle loss, it's vital to stay active with regular strength training and cardio exercise suited for your fitness level and health status. Activities like lifting weights, Pilates, swimming, or walking help minimize muscle wasting.
- Getting enough protein, calories, vitamins like vitamin D, and good sleep also aids muscle health. Some supplements like creatine or HMB may offer additional benefit.
- In severe cases, medications can sometimes help reduce muscle atrophy secondary to major illnesses. Physical therapy provides guidance on appropriate exercise.
In summary, loss of muscle mass is a common condition tied to aging, poor health, and inactivity. Paying attention to proper nutrition, rest, fitness and asking your doctor at Rejuvenate Clinic about ways to preserve muscle can help maintain strength, mobility and vitality over the years.