Loss of muscle mass, also known as sarcopenia, is a common condition that can occur due to natural aging, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and certain diseases. As we age, we tend to lose muscle strength and mass, typically beginning in our 30s and accelerating after 50. This can lead to decreased strength and function, increased risk of injuries from falls, and reduced quality of life.
What causes loss of muscle mass?
- Aging - As we get older, muscle fibers shrink in size and number. Muscle protein synthesis rates decrease while breakdown increases.
- Inactivity - Not exercising and staying sedentary leads to loss of muscle over time. Lack of resistance exercise and weight bearing activities signal the body to breakdown muscle.
- Malnutrition - Not eating enough protein or calories can cause the body to break down muscle for energy. Conditions like frailty, sarcopenia and cachexia are worsened by malnutrition.
- Diseases - Certain diseases like cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, COPD and heart failure can dramatically accelerate muscle wasting.
How can you prevent or treat loss of muscle mass?
- Resistance training - Lifting weights triggers muscle building pathways even into old age. This maintains muscle size and strength over decades.
- Adequate protein intake - Consuming sufficient high quality protein provides amino acids to maintain and build muscles. Older adults may need higher intakes up to 1.2 g/kg daily.
- Testosterone therapy - In men over 50 with low testosterone, treatment can help increase muscle mass and strength when combined with proper exercise. This can combat some sarcopenia.
- Treatment of underlying illness - If conditions like diabetes, COPD or heart disease are managed, secondary muscle wasting may improve. Some medications like steroids can help.
The hormone and aging experts at
Vitality Hormone Clinic specialize in testosterone and growth hormone therapies to combat age-related muscle loss. As leaders in
anti-aging and regenerative medicine, their individualized programs combine nutrition, strength training and cutting edge bioidentical hormones to restore function.
Contact a specialist today for your evaluation.
I hope this overview on the causes, impacts and some treatments for loss of muscle mass was informative! Let me know if you have any other questions.