What is Loss of Muscle?
Muscle loss, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink and lose strength over time. This leads to less muscle mass and has several potential causes:
- Aging - Muscles naturally weaken as we get older
- Inactivity - Not using muscles regularly can cause them to waste away
- Poor nutrition - Not getting enough protein and calories to sustain muscle
- Illness - Certain diseases and treatments break down muscle tissues
The medical term for muscle loss is sarcopenia. It can happen locally to one muscle or systematically throughout the body. Sarcopenia is considered natural in the elderly but can be accelerated by the other factors above.
Effects of muscle loss include feeling weaker, increased risk of injury and falls, slowed metabolism and calorie-burning, and reduced mobility. However, it can often be prevented or reversed through strength training and high-protein diets. Consult with a healthcare professional if you are concerned about rapid muscle loss.