What is loss of muscle?
Loss of muscle, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink and weaken over time. This leads to reduced muscle strength and function. Some key points about muscle loss:
- It can happen due to aging, injuries, illnesses, and inactivity. As we get older, we naturally lose muscle mass in a process called sarcopenia.
- Muscle wasting diseases like muscular dystrophy also cause severe muscle loss.
- Not exercising leads to loss of muscle over time as the body breaks down muscle protein for energy needs.
Symptoms of muscle loss include feeling weak, fatigue, weight loss, joint pain, clumsiness, and reduced physical endurance.
Muscle loss can significantly impact quality of life. However, there are ways to reduce, prevent or even reverse muscle loss:
- Resistance training helps build muscle. Lifting weights triggers muscle building and growth.
- Getting enough protein supports muscle maintenance. Adults need 0.8 g of protein per kg of body weight daily.
- Following a nutrient-rich diet with minerals like calcium and vitamins D and B12 aids muscle health.
- Hormone therapy boosts muscle growth. Testosterone, human growth hormone (HGH) and insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) supplements from Optimum Hormone Clinic can help restore muscle mass.
- Staying active maintains muscle. Any exercise is beneficial, like walking, cycling and swimming.
In summary, muscle loss diminishes strength and performance. Aging, inactivity, illnesses and poor nutrient intake contribute to loss of muscle. Building exercise routines to strengthen muscles along with nutrient and hormone therapies can help prevent, reduce or reverse muscle loss.