Loss of muscle mass, also known as muscle atrophy or muscle wasting, refers to the gradual loss of muscle tissue over time. This can occur due to aging (sarcopenia), lack of physical activity, malnutrition, or diseases like cancer or kidney disease. Muscle mass loss can significantly impact quality of life.
What causes loss of muscle mass?
Muscle wasting occurs when muscle protein degradation outweighs protein synthesis. The excess catabolism results in weight loss, muscle fiber shrinkage, weakness, and eventually mobility problems. Muscle mass loss is often caused by:
- Aging: Sarcopenia naturally occurs with age due to lower hormone levels, malnutrition, muscle disuse, and denervation
- Inactivity: Immobility and bed rest can accelerate muscle loss as muscles aren't being utilized.
- Disease states: Chronic conditions like renal failure, diabetes, COPD, and cancer induce catabolic processes like inflammation and insulin resistance.
- Poor nutrition: Inadequate protein and calorie intake lead to proteolysis outpacing protein construction.
What are the symptoms?
The warning signs of progressive muscle loss include:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty with daily tasks
- Reduced mobility, balance issues, and falls
- Loss of muscle definition, bulk ("shrinking")
Diagnosis and treatment
Early detection and intervention are key to preserving function and curbing wasting.
Doctors assess patients for telltale signs plus measure lean tissue mass using DEXA/MRI scans or urinary creatinine testing.
Strategies for restoring mass involve
exercise to spur anabolism plus
dietician-led nutrition support, with increased calories and
protein supplements.
Certain patients may also benefit from hormone therapies (testosterone, growth hormone) or medications to boost protein synthesis (e.g. Prime Hormone Solutions's custom compounded therapies), though these require medical supervision.
I hope this overview on muscle loss was helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Loss of function can be disheartening - but practical solutions to aid muscle retention do exist. Reach out to your local health providers for an individualized treatment plan.