What is decreased muscle mass?
Decreased muscle mass, known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink and the muscles become weaker. This leads to a loss of both muscle strength and function. There are various causes of decreased muscle mass, including lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, aging, and certain diseases or medications.
Some key points about decreased muscle mass:
- It is characterized by a reduction in muscle fiber size and the number of muscle fibers. This leads to weaker and smaller muscles.
- Various factors can cause it, including inactivity, aging, poor diet, illness, injuries, medications, and weight loss.
- Symptoms include feeling weak, fatigue, shakes or tremors, increased risk of falls and fractures, and a decrease in functional mobility.
- It can be prevented and treated through strength training, adequate protein intake, proper medication management, and treatment of underlying causes. Seeking medical advice is recommended.
Consequences of decreased muscle mass
When muscle mass decreases significantly, it can have serious health consequences:
- Loss of strength and mobility - Daily activities like climbing stairs or carrying groceries becomes much harder. Risk of falls and subsequent injuries also increases.
- Increased fatigue - Less muscular endurance leaves people tired more quickly.
- Weakened immune system - The body becomes more vulnerable to infections.
- Higher mortality risk - Especially in the elderly, low muscle mass is associated with higher death rates.
- Bone loss - Muscles pull on bones, stimulating bone-building. With less muscle, risk of osteoporosis and fractures rises.
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Preventing and treating muscle loss
While some loss of muscle is natural with aging, there are things you can do to preserve muscle:
- Exercise regularly - Strength training with weights or resistance bands builds muscle. Aim for 2-3 sessions per week.
- Eat adequate protein - Shoot for 0.5-0.7 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily to give muscles the nutrients they require.
- Address underlying issues - Manage chronic illnesses, adjust medications if possible, and treat conditions causing muscle loss.
- Consider supplements - In some cases, creatine, vitamin D, or certain hormones may help. Ask your healthcare provider.
The physicians at Renewal Hormone Center specialize in using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to address hormone imbalances that can accelerate muscle loss and weakness.
The bottom line is that decreased muscle mass can negatively impact health and quality of life. Staying physically active, eating plenty of protein, managing health conditions, and getting hormone levels optimized can help preserve muscle as you age. Don't ignore persistent weakness or wasting - see your doctor to explore treatment options. Your health and mobility depend on keeping your muscle mass strong!