What is loss of muscle?
Muscle loss, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade. This leads to reduced muscle mass and strength over time. Some key points about muscle loss include:
- Causes
- Aging - As we get older, muscle fibers degrade more easily and muscle protein synthesis slows down
- Inactivity - Not using your muscles leads them to waste away
- Malnutrition - Consuming inadequate protein and calories accelerates muscle loss
- Diseases - Certain illnesses promote increased muscle breakdown
- Effects
- Weakness - Less muscle mass directly corresponds with less strength for activities
- Mobility issues - Muscle loss can make joints less stable and movements more difficult
- Fall risk - Weakness from muscle loss increases seniors' risk of falls and injuries
- Reduced metabolism - More muscle burn more calories, so loss of muscle slows metabolism
- Prevention
- Resistance training - Lifting weights triggers muscle growth and combats age-related losses
- Adequate protein - Consuming foods high in protein prevents muscle breakdown
- Balance exercises - Challenging balance aids muscle and strength retention
- Treatment of underlying illnesses - Controlling diseases like diabetes reduces related muscle loss
To summarize, muscle loss is the wasting away of muscle fibers leading to reduced mass and function. It frequently results from aging, inactivity, poor nutrition, and illness. Strategies like strength training, sufficient protein intake, balance exercises, and disease treatment can help prevent and slow muscle loss. Catching it early makes these interventions more effective.
While some muscle loss is inevitable with aging, implementing targeted lifestyle and dietary changes can go a long way toward maintaining strength, mobility, and metabolic rate. Consult with a professional at Rejuvenate HRT Clinic if you have concerns about your muscle health or rapid unexplained muscle wasting. There are often ways to counteract muscle loss to keep you active and independent for longer.