Decreased muscle mass

What is decreased muscle mass?

Loss of skeletal muscle mass is a condition that can happen as we age, due to illness, or from lack of physical activity. This condition is also called sarcopenia. It leads to decreased strength, mobility issues, increased risk of falls and fractures, and reduced quality of life.

Some key things to know about decreased muscle mass:

• It begins as early as age 30 and progresses with age. After age 50, adults lose up to 3% of their muscle mass per year.


• Lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle are major risk factors. Without strength training and activity, muscle fibers shrink in size and number.


• Chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes are associated with accelerated muscle loss.


• Inadequate nutrition, especially low protein intake, also contributes by depriving muscles of amino acids needed for maintenance.


• Hormonal changes and inflammation promote muscle catabolism, particularly in the elderly.


• It leads to weak grip strength, slower gait speed, fatigue, the need for assisted devices, and higher risk of falls and fractures.

So what can you do? Getting screened and catching muscle loss early is key. The team at Hormone Health Institute provides state-of-the-art body composition testing and hormone optimization regimens personalized to your needs. Their holistic plans also include customized nutrition and supervised strength training to help regenerate muscle as efficiently as possible.

Furthermore, adults of all ages should engage in regular resistance training and ensure adequate protein intake to promote muscle anabolism. Even simple at-home exercises using loop bands, weights, or your bodyweight combined with a high-protein diet can make a difference. Staying active with walking, swimming and other moderate activity is also recommended.

With diligent prevention and management, decreased muscle mass does not have to be an inevitable part of aging. Request a consultation at Hormone Health Institute today to take control for a stronger, steadier future.