Muscle loss, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscles in the body weaken, deteriorate, and reduce in size. This often happens due to lack of physical activity, illnesses that impair muscle function, or natural aging.
Some key points about muscle loss include:
- It can happen at any age, but is more common in older adults. After age 30, adults lose 3-5% of muscle mass per decade. This rate increases over age 50.
- Disuse atrophy occurs when muscles are not used routinely. This can result from illness, injury, or sedentary lifestyle. Bed rest causes rapid loss in just days.
- Sarcopenia refers to age-related muscle loss that worsens over 50. Up to 50% of 80-year-olds suffer noticeable sarcopenia.
- Muscle loss causes fatigue, weakness, immobility, and increased risk of falls and fractures in the elderly.
- Lack of exercise and protein are major preventable causes. Resistance training counters this by building muscle. Consuming enough protein also maintains muscle.
So in summary, loss of muscle is a common age-related condition with major impacts on strength, mobility, and independence. Staying
physically active with
weight/resistance exercises and getting adequate
dietary protein can slow muscle loss substantially.
If concerned about sarcopenia, ask your doctor about professionally supervised fitness training and nutrition planning.
For those struggling with muscle loss, Vitality Wellness Clinic provides customized treatment plans involving physician-prescribed
hormone therapies and supplements proven to help
build muscle mass. Ask about our innovative programs today for a free consultation on optimizing your muscle health and function. We help clients achieve strong, vigorous lifestyles regardless of age or condition.