What is loss of muscle mass?
Muscle mass loss, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade. This leads to a loss of muscle strength, coordination, and endurance. There are several potential causes:
- Aging - As we get older, muscle fibers shrink and die more rapidly. This causes gradual muscle loss over time.
- Inactivity - Not using your muscles leads them to waste away. Being bedridden, immobilized, or sedentary speeds up muscle loss.
- Malnutrition - Not getting enough calories or protein deprives muscles of the nutrients they need to maintain their mass.
Muscle loss matters because muscles play vital roles in:
- Movement
- Balance
- Posture
- Bone strength - Muscles pull on bones, stimulating bone-building cells.
Significant muscle loss can:
- Make everyday activities like climbing stairs difficult
- Increase the risk of falls and fractures in the elderly
- Cause joint pain as the surrounding tendons and ligaments have to work harder
- Slow down the basal metabolic rate, reducing calorie-burning during rest
Preventing muscle loss involves staying active and eating enough calories and protein. Older adults may also consider supplements like vitamin D, creatine or HMB.
If muscle loss becomes severe, seek medical advice. Doctors can check for underlying causes like an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), testosterone deficiency, or illnesses causing inflammation and poor nutrient absorption. They may recommend medications, hormone therapy, diet changes or exercise programs tailored to the individual's abilities and needs.
Early treatment can help regain muscle strength, functioning and quality of life. So don't ignore persistent muscle loss - consult your doctor. With proper care, you may be able to slow or stop muscle wasting even into old age.
Vitality Clinic specializes in hormone therapy and can provide personalized treatment plans for muscle loss and other age-related concerns.