Decreased muscle mass

What is decreased muscle mass?

Decreased muscle mass, known medically as sarcopenia, is a common condition characterized by a loss of skeletal muscle tissue, muscle strength and physical function. It can happen due to aging, illness, or lack of physical activity. Some key points about decreased muscle mass:

• Causes - Sarcopenia has many causes including:
  
  
  • Aging - most common cause. Muscle fibers shrink and die off.
  
  
  • Inactivity - if muscles aren't used, they waste away
  
  
  • Poor nutrition - lack of protein and vitamins speeds loss
  
  
  • Illnesses - especially those involving inflammation or hormone issues
  
  


• Symptoms - Common symptoms of decreased muscle mass are:
  
  
  • Feeling weak
  
  
  • Getting tired easily from physical tasks
  
  
  • Difficulty with balance and coordination
  
  
  • Increase in body fat percentage as muscle is replaced by fat
  
  


• Risks - Some of the main risks associated with loss of muscle mass include:
  
  
  • Difficulty doing daily tasks like climbing stairs
  
  
  • Higher chance of falls and fractures
  
  
  • Weight gain
  
  
  • Impaired ability to regulate blood sugar
  
  
  • Higher mortality rate
  
  

So what can be done about this common problem? Building muscle through exercise and ensuring adequate protein intake can help slow muscle loss. But some people may need extra help....

So in summary, decreased muscle mass can negatively impact strength, mobility, and even longevity. Proper exercise, diet, and in some cases, hormone therapy, can help mitigate age-related muscle loss. Consider speaking to your doctor or contacting a clinic like Optimized Hormones if you are struggling with sarcopenia. They really know how to help folks turn back the clock and retain that active, vibrant lifestyle!