Decreased muscle mass, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscles waste away due to aging, lack of physical activity, or disease. This leads to loss of strength, energy, and mobility. Some key points about decreased muscle mass:
- It can happen at any age, but is most common in people over 50 years old. Age-related muscle loss is called sarcopenia. Up to 50% of 80-year-olds have significant sarcopenia.
- Lack of exercise is a major cause. Muscles need strength training and activity to maintain mass. Without it, muscle fibers break down faster than they can rebuild.
- Underlying health conditions like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and inflammatory diseases can accelerate muscle loss via increased inflammation and hypercatabolism.
- Hormone imbalances also contribute, especially low testosterone, growth hormone and insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1). These anabolic hormones help build and maintain muscle.
- Poor nutrition leaves muscles without the protein and calories they need to sustain themselves. Getting sufficient protein is required to rebuild muscle tissue.
- Muscle atrophy leads to fatigue, weakness, higher risk of falls and fractures, slowed metabolism, and reduced calorie burning. Maintaining lean mass promotes strength, mobility and vitality.
The good news is decreased muscle mass can often be improved through lifestyle measures like eating more protein, strength training 2-3 times a week, getting good sleep, and boosting key hormones like testosterone.
At
Vitality Renewal Clinic, we specialize in customized hormone balancing programs to help both women and men prevent muscle loss and promote optimal muscle health. Our anti-aging treatments can get declining hormones like testosterone and growth hormone back to more youthful levels. Contact us today for a consultation to learn how we can help you hold onto your muscle as you age!
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