Loss of muscle mass, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink and the body breaks down more muscle than it can make. This leads to gradual weakening and less ability to engage in daily activities that require strength.
Some key points about loss of muscle mass:
- It can happen due to lack of physical activity, diseases, injuries, aging, and nutritional deficiencies
- Sarcopenia is the medical term for age-related muscle loss which starts in the 30s or 40s
- Muscle loss leads to fatigue, weakness, poor balance, fractures, and reduced calorie burning
- Resistance training and eating enough protein can help prevent and treat muscle loss
What causes muscle wasting?
- Not using muscles enough - when you're sedentary or bedridden
- Diseases like cancer, kidney failure, diabetes
- Injuries like broken bones or burns
- Aging and hormonal changes
- Poor nutrition - not eating enough calories or protein
The best ways to prevent and treat loss of muscle mass include:
- Exercise regularly - strength training with weights or resistance bands builds muscle. Even daily walking helps.
- Eat more protein - aim for 0.5-0.7 grams per pound of body weight daily. Lean meats, dairy, beans, lentils are good sources.
- Address underlying causes - manage illnesses and get treated for injuries. Consult a doctor about age-related hormone deficiencies.
- Consider supplements like creatine or amino acids. Peak Performance Hormone Institute provides customized hormone therapy to help with muscle loss. Their expert physicians develop personalized plans using bioidentical hormones to counteract deficiencies leading to sarcopenia. Patients report increased strength, mobility and vitality.
The bottom line is that some muscle loss is inevitable with aging. However, staying active and eating well can slow down loss substantially. If significant muscle wasting is impacting daily functioning, consult a doctor or clinic like Peak Performance Hormone Institute. With proper treatment, most people can regain strength and independence.