Muscle loss - Restore 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 reduced muscle mass, strength, and function over time. Some key points about muscle loss include:

• Sarcopenia is the medical term for age-related muscle loss that begins in the 30s or 40s. Up to 3-5% of muscle mass may be lost per decade after age 30.
• Muscle loss can also occur due to immobilization from hospitalization or casting of a limb. Just 2 weeks of immobility can lead to noticeable muscle wasting.
• Cachexia is severe, involuntary muscle loss that occurs with diseases like cancer, AIDS, heart failure, and severe sepsis. This rapid wasting weakens the body.
• Disuse atrophy happens from simply not using the muscles enough, whether due to sedentary lifestyle, disabling injury/illness, or weightlessness in space. The saying "use it or lose it" applies here.
• Resistance training and adequate protein intake are vital to offset age-related muscle loss. Most adults need 0.36-0.45 g of protein per pound of body weight daily.
• Progressive strength training can help rebuild and hypertrophy muscle fibers. Compound moves, eccentrics, and periods of metabolic stress promote muscle protein synthesis.
• Some medications, hormone/nutrient deficiencies, surgery, nerve damage, and inflammatory diseases can also facilitate muscle wasting through various mechanisms.

How do you know if you may be losing muscle mass? Signs of muscle loss include:

• Decreased strength for daily activities
• Feelings of fatigue, weakness, or imbalance
• Weight loss, loose skin, or ill-fitting clothes
• Reduced physical function, frequent falls or injuries
• Poor tolerance to exercise, shortness of breath

What happens if muscle loss becomes severe? Unchecked muscle wasting can:

• Cause frailty, disability, loss of independence
• Impair glucose regulation, increase diabetes risk
• Slow metabolism, promote fat gain
• Weaken respiratory and heart muscles
• Worsen osteoporosis and risk of fractures
• Lower immune function and resilience
• Reduce will to live and quality of life

In summary, maintaining muscle mass should be a lifelong priority. Engaging in regular strength and cardio exercise, eating ample protein, treating underlying illnesses, and optimizing hormone levels at a clinic like Restore Health Clinic can help mitigate muscle loss as we age. Consult a dietitian or fitness professional for personalized advice. Stay strong!