Muscle loss - Balance Health Clinic

Muscle loss, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade as a result of aging, illness, or lack of physical activity. This leads to a loss of muscle strength, coordination, and mobility. Some key points about muscle loss include:

• It can happen at any age, but is more common as we get older. After age 30, adults lose 3-5% of muscle mass per decade if they remain inactive.
• Sarcopenia is the medical term for age-related muscle loss. It starts around age 40 and can cause weakness, poor balance, and frailty.
• Many health conditions can accelerate muscle loss, like cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, and immobilizing injuries. This muscle wasting is called cachexia.
• Lack of exercise is one of the main triggers for muscle loss. Without strength training and activity, muscles shrink from disuse.
• Muscle loss reduces strength and metabolism. This makes it harder to control weight, blood sugar, and perform daily tasks as we age.
• Strength training with weights or resistance bands can help offset muscle loss from aging and illness. As little as two 30-minute sessions per week can maintain and build muscle.
• Getting enough protein, vitamin D, antioxidants, and healthy fats also supports muscle health and mass. Leucine and creatine are supplements that may help treat muscle loss conditions.
• Progressive muscle loss can lead to loss of independence, increased injury risk, and poorer quality of life. Catching it early makes treatment easier.