Muscle loss, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade as a result of disuse, poor nutrition, aging, or disease. This leads to reduced muscle strength, mass, and performance.
Some key points about muscle loss include:
Muscle loss can be caused by:
- Lack of physical activity - When muscles are not used regularly, they begin to shrink and lose mass
- Aging - Beginning around age 30, adults lose 3-8% of muscle mass per decade due to hormonal changes and decreased activity
- Poor nutrition - Not consuming enough calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals leads to muscle breakdown
- Injuries and illnesses - Being immobilized due to injury/surgery or diseases like cancer can accelerate muscle loss
- Consequences
Losing muscle mass can:
- Reduce strength and mobility
- Increase risk of falls and fractures
- Lower metabolism and increase body fat
- Negatively impact recovery from illness/injury
- Prevention
Strategies to maintain muscle mass include:
- Resistance training - Lifting weights triggers muscle building and growth
- Adequate protein intake - Consuming foods high in protein provides amino acids to build muscle
- Active lifestyle - Using your muscles regularly prevents wasting away
- Balanced, nutrient-rich diet - Eating wholesome foods preserves muscle
In summary, muscle loss is the decreasing size and performance of skeletal muscle. It can be caused by inactivity, aging, poor nutrition, and disease. Preventing muscle loss is key to maintaining strength, mobility, metabolism, and health. Activities and diets that stimulate muscle growth are the best defenses against wasting.
For more information, visit Rejuvenate HRT Clinic.