Loss of muscle mass

Muscle mass loss, known as muscle atrophy, occurs when the body breaks down more muscle than it makes over time. This typically happens due to reduced physical activity, disease, or normal aging.
Some key things to know:

• Sarcopenia is the medical term for age-related muscle loss that begins in your 30s or 40s. About 1 in 4 adults over age 60 have sarcopenia.


• Muscle loss leads to feeling weak, trouble balancing, and increased risk of falls and fractures.


• Lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and chronic diseases contribute to muscle loss. Getting adequate protein and doing resistance training can help offset it.


• Hormone changes also drive muscle loss as we get older. Testosterone and growth hormone help build and maintain muscle. Their decline with aging causes deficits.

What causes muscle loss?

Here are some top reasons you may be losing muscle mass:

• Aging


• Inactivity - periods of bed rest or immobilization


• Malnutrition - inadequate protein, vitamins, minerals


• Diseases - cancer, kidney or liver failure, etc


• Medications - corticosteroids, chemotherapy


• Endocrine disorders - low testosterone, growth hormone deficits

The best way to prevent muscle loss is to stay physically active with weight/resistance training and get adequate protein - at least 1 to 1.5 grams per kg of body weight daily. This helps stimulate muscle growth and rebuilding.

As we age, consider getting your hormone levels checked if muscle loss persists despite lifestyle measures. Vitality Hormone Clinic specializes in customized programs to optimize hormones like testosterone, growth hormone, and more to counteract sarcopenia. Our anti-aging treatments can help you regain vigor, strength, endurance so you stay active and independent.