What is loss of muscle?
Muscle loss, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink or degrade as a result of disuse or disease. This leads to reduced muscle strength, function, and performance.
Some common causes of muscle loss include:
- Inactivity or immobilization: Not using your muscles regularly can cause them to waste away. Being bedridden after surgery or illness is a common cause.
- Aging: As we get older, muscle mass naturally decreases due to hormonal changes and nerve degeneration. This age-related loss of muscle is called sarcopenia.
- Malnutrition: Not getting enough calories or protein can lead to decreased muscle synthesis and increased muscle breakdown.
- Diseases: Certain diseases like cancer, AIDS, congestive heart failure, and muscular dystrophy can cause severe muscle wasting.
Muscle loss can have significant consequences:
- Reduced strength and mobility, increasing risk of falls and fractures in the elderly
- Fatigue, lethargy, and weakness during daily activities
- Impaired breathing and respiratory function if intercostal muscles are affected
- Negative protein balance and altered metabolism
- Weight loss and muscle wasting giving an emaciated appearance
How can muscle loss be prevented and treated? Here are some key strategies:
- Exercise regularly to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Weight training and resistance exercises are particularly effective. Even light activity helps maintain muscle.
- Eat adequate protein - aim for 0.5-0.8g per pound of body weight daily to provide amino acids for muscle growth. Include lean meats, dairy, eggs, fish, beans, lentils.
- Get checked for underlying conditions as diseases may cause or exacerbate muscle loss. Seek appropriate treatment.
- Consider hormone therapy - testosterone supplements may help boost muscle growth in those with age-related decline.
- Try supplements like creatine, vitamin D, or amino acids to support muscle growth and inhibit catabolism. Consult a doctor first.
At Rejuvenate Medical, we specialize in customized hormone therapy to help combat age-related muscle loss and weakness. Our expert physicians can diagnose hormone deficiencies through lab testing and tailor bioidentical hormone regimens to your needs.
Muscle loss can substantially impact physical abilities and quality of life. Staying active, eating nutritious protein-rich foods, managing underlying conditions, and considering targeted treatment can help mitigate muscle wasting and weakness. Maintaining muscle is crucial for mobility, vitality and health as we age.