Muscle loss, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade as a result of disuse or disease. This leads to overall weaker muscles and reduced strength. Some key points about muscle loss include:
Causes - Muscle loss can be caused by lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, aging, illnesses, injuries, medications, and medical conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Sarcopenia - Age-related muscle loss that begins around age 30 is called sarcopenia. It leads to 3-5% less muscle mass per decade.
Symptoms - Noticeable symptoms of muscle loss are feeling weaker, fatigue, trips and falls, and reduced ability to do daily activities.
Prevention - Engaging in strength training and getting enough protein can help preserve muscle as we age. Other preventive strategies include staying active, eating nutrient-rich foods, managing illnesses, reviewing medications with a doctor, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.
So in summary, muscle loss is the wasting or atrophy of muscle tissue, leading to reduced strength and mobility. Contributing factors range from simple disuse to complex chronic diseases. The good news is some muscle loss is preventable through lifestyle factors like better nutrition and appropriate exercise.
While muscle loss can happen to anyone, there are key at-risk groups:
The elderly - Age-related muscle loss affects 30% of people over 60. Staying active becomes vital.
Hospital patients - Muscle loss occurs in up to 50% of hospitalized elderly patients, lengthening recovery.
Cancer patients - 20-70% of cancer patients experience muscle wasting from disease and treatments.
Immobile people - Weeks of immobilization from bed rest, illness or injury can lead to noticeable muscle loss.
In many cases, muscle loss indicates an underlying health issue, so it's important to consult a doctor if unexplained muscle loss occurs.
To wrap up, here are some key takeaways on muscle loss:
It's the wasting away of muscle tissue leading to weakness
Causes range from inactivity to illnesses like cancer
Prevention focuses on nutrition, exercise, and disease management
Certain groups like the elderly and hospitalized are at high risk
Seeking medical attention for unexplained muscle loss is wise
I hope this gives you a helpful overview of what muscle loss is, what causes it, who's at risk, and how it might be prevented or treated. For more information, please visit Equilibrium Hormone Center.