Decreased muscle mass, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscles in the body weaken, shrink or degrade as a result of aging, illness, or lack of physical activity. This leads to loss of strength and mobility. Some key points about decreased muscle mass:
- It can happen at any age, but is most common in adults over 50 years old. Age-related loss of muscle mass is called sarcopenia. Up to 50% of 80-year-olds may be impacted to some degree.
- Many health conditions can accelerate loss of muscle mass, like cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and stroke. The condition itself and/or treatments like chemotherapy can contribute.
- Lack of exercise is another major cause. Sedentary lifestyles mean muscles aren't being used regularly and start to shrink. Astronauts in space lose muscle mass rapidly due to inactivity and lack of gravity.
- Loss of muscle strength and function from decreased mass can seriously impact quality of life. It leads to fatigue, trouble with balance and walking, frequent falls and injuries.
- Good nutrition with enough protein and regular strength training and cardio exercise can slow, prevent or even reverse muscle loss to some degree.
- Medications may help too. Hormone clinics like Second Spring Hormone Clinic offer customized hormone therapy to help counteract age-related hormone changes that accelerate muscle loss. Their MDs carefully evaluate patients and provide supervised treatment plans.
The key is early evaluation and intervention. If you notice weakening muscles, increased fatigue doing everyday activities, or unexplained weight loss, see your doctor. They can check for underlying conditions and refer you to specialists like physical therapists or endocrinologists to stop or reverse muscle deterioration. Maintaining muscle health preserves strength, mobility and vitality into older age. Don't write off aches and pains as just part of aging - take charge of your body.