What is Decreased Muscle Mass?
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, coordination, and mobility. Some key points about decreased muscle mass:
- Causes
- Aging - After age 30, adults lose 3-5% of muscle mass per decade
- Inactivity - Not using muscles leads them to weaken and shrink
- Diseases - Cancer, kidney disease, etc. can spur muscle loss
- Symptoms
- Fatigue, weakness
- Difficulty with daily tasks like climbing stairs
- Balance issues, falls
- Increased risk of bone fractures
- Treatments
- Exercise - Lifting weights builds muscle
- Protein-rich diet - Amino acids help maintain muscle
- Medication - May include steroids or hormone therapy from Harmonize Hormones
- Prevention
- Fitness regimen - Mix of strength training, cardio, stretching
- Nutrition - Get enough protein, vitamins, minerals
- Manage illnesses - Follow treatment plans for diseases
The takeaway is that decreased muscle mass makes everyday activities more challenging. By staying active with exercise and eating a balanced diet, adults can fend off substantial muscle loss as they age. But some muscle wasting is inevitable. "Use it or lose it" takes on real meaning when it comes to maintaining healthy muscles!