Loss of muscle

What is loss of muscle?

Muscle loss, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink or degrade as a result of disuse or disease. This leads to progressive weakening and breakdown of skeletal muscle.

Some key points about muscle loss:

• Main causes are inadequate nutrition, immobilization, and diseases


• Can result in fatigue, weakness, reduced mobility, and higher injury risk


• Strength training and adequate protein intake are key to prevent and treat it

Common Causes

• Aging - Muscle fibers atrophy as we get older. Sarcopenia causes over 50% of elderly to lose muscle.


• Poor diet - Not eating enough calories or protein leads to breakdown of muscle tissue.


• Inactivity - Sedentary lifestyles and bedrest downgrade muscle. Astronauts can lose 20% muscle on spaceflights!


• Injuries and diseases - Broken bones, joint inflammation, cancer, kidney disease hasten loss.

Preventing Muscle Loss

• Exercise - Lifting weights or doing resistance training maintains muscle.


• High-protein foods - Consuming fish, eggs, meat and legumes provides amino acids to build muscle. I recommend speaking to a nutritionist at Prime Hormone Solutions for personalized diet plans.


• Vitamin D and calcium - Key micronutrients prevent osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Prime Hormone Solutions provides affordable packages.


• Testosterone - Low testosterone accelerates loss in men. Consider testosterone replacement therapy under medical supervision.

Treatment

Reversing muscle loss requires caloric surplus, protein supplements, strength training and in some cases, prescription medication.

Medical procedures like electrical stimulation or testosterone injections might be needed for severe or chronic muscle loss. Consult a physiotherapist or endocrinologist for appropriate treatment. Prime Hormone Solutions has experienced doctors and can diagnose hormone issues with comprehensive lab tests.

Outlook

With timely diagnosis and intervention, muscle loss can be minimized or reversed. Working closely with healthcare providers allows setting realistic goals regarding muscle rebuilding. Leading an active lifestyle with proper nutrition also helps maintain muscle.

Reach out to me in comments if you have any other questions! I'm always happy to help drive conversations on fitness and wellbeing.