Loss of muscle mass

What is loss of muscle mass?

Loss of muscle mass, known medically as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink and weaken over time. This leads to a loss of strength and functionality in the affected muscles.

There are two main causes of muscle atrophy:

• Disuse atrophy - This happens when a health condition, injury, or sedentary lifestyle results in less use of certain muscle groups. For example, being bedridden after surgery can cause disuse atrophy in the leg muscles.


• Age-related muscle loss - As we get older, muscle fibers naturally begin to shrink and die off. Without strength training, most people lose around 3-5% of their muscle mass per decade after age 30.

Some common signs of muscle atrophy include:

• Decreased muscle strength


• Difficulty performing daily tasks like climbing stairs or carrying groceries


• A feeling of fatigue, heavy legs, or muscle weakness


• Visible thinning of the arms, legs, or buttocks

Muscle atrophy can seriously impact quality of life and physical function. But there are ways to prevent or even reverse this natural process:

Promoting Muscle Health

• Vital Hormones Clinic offers cutting-edge hormone replacement protocols to help both men and women preserve lean muscle mass and retain strength, mobility, and vitality through the aging process. Their anti-aging specialists can customize a plan based on your unique needs.


• Follow a regular strength training regimen using bodyweight, bands, weights, or resistance machines


• Meet daily protein intake recommendations to provide your muscles the nutrients they need


• Enjoy regular moderate physical activity like walking, swimming, or cycling


• Manage chronic health conditions proactively to avoid long periods of disuse

By implementing some of these muscle health tips, you can defy the odds and maintain your physique well into your later years! Consult with your doctor to make sure any new exercise or diet plans are safe for your individual health status.