Loss of muscle - Renew Medical Center

What is loss of muscle?

Muscle loss, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degenerate as a result of disuse or disease. This leads to reduced muscle strength, mass, and performance.

Some key points about muscle loss:

• It can happen with aging, known as sarcopenia. After age 30, adults lose 3-5% of muscle mass per decade. This accelerates after age 60.
• Diseases like cancer, heart failure, diabetes, and kidney disease increase muscle loss.
• Immobility from hospitalization or injuries leads to rapid loss of muscle. Just 10 days of bed rest can result in 5-9% loss of quadriceps muscle strength.
• Muscle loss leads to fatigue, weakness, higher risk of falls and fractures, and reduced quality of life. It can also lower metabolism.
• Good nutrition with enough protein intake can help minimize muscle loss. Most health experts recommend 0.5-0.8 grams of protein per kg of body weight per day.
• Resistance training and physical activity are vital. Even light activity signals muscles to maintain mass.
• Getting adequate rest and managing stress helps too. High cortisol levels accelerate muscle loss.

So in summary, muscle loss is the weakening or degeneration of skeletal muscle. Maintaining muscle strength requires regular physical activity, proper protein intake, and managing illnesses.

Common questions about muscle loss

How fast can you lose muscle mass?

Muscle loss occurs gradually, but can be rapid with illnesses causing long bed rest. Up to 5% loss per week of immobilization is possible. Staying active even with limited mobility can slow muscle wasting.

What are signs you are losing muscle?

Early signs are feeling tired more easily, clothes fitting loosely, and finding everyday tasks more difficult. Tracking strength with grip devices or weights can quantify muscle loss.

Can you reverse muscle loss from aging?

Yes! Combine resistance training, protein-rich diet, and activity goals. Even very elderly nursing home residents gained muscle with simple workouts. It just takes longer the older you get. But it's worth it!

If you have any other questions about muscle loss, its causes, impacts, and prevention tips, please consult with the experts at Renew Medical Center.