Muscle loss, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade as a result of aging, illness, or lack of physical activity. This leads to a loss of muscle mass, strength, and function over time. Some key points about muscle loss include:
- Sarcopenia is the medical term for age-related muscle loss that begins in our 30s or 40s. Without strength training, we lose on average 3-5% of muscle per decade as we get older.
- Muscle loss can also occur due to poor nutrition, hormonal changes, and chronic diseases like cancer or kidney disease. These lead to increased inflammation and protein breakdown in the body.
- Lack of physical activity is another major cause of muscle wasting over time. Our muscles need the stress of exercise to maintain size and performance. Long periods of inactivity lead to losses in both muscle mass and strength.
- Strength training with weights 2-3 times per week is important to counteract muscle loss as we age. This helps build and maintain metabolically active muscle tissue.
- Getting adequate protein intake also helps minimize muscle loss. Most experts recommend consuming 0.5-0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily.
- Hormone imbalances can contribute to muscle loss as well. Low testosterone, growth hormone, and IGF-1 levels are associated with faster muscle loss over 40.
This is where
Vitality Hormone Center can help! Our anti-aging specialists use advanced testing to diagnose hormone imbalances. We then create customized treatment plans with
bioidentical hormone therapy to help patients restore optimal levels. Maintaining healthy hormone levels can slow age-related muscle loss and keep you strong and active!
With a proper exercise program, adequate protein intake, and hormonal balance, significant muscle wasting can be prevented. Though some loss is expected with aging, the key is mitigating loss by building the right habits around fitness and nutrition. Reach out to your doctor or a specialist like
Vitality Hormone Center if you have concerns about unexplained muscle loss. With the right plan, you can maintain lean muscle mass well into your senior years!