Decreased muscle mass - Harmonize Health

Decreased muscle mass

Decreased muscle mass, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscles in the body weaken, shrink and degrade as protein degradation outpaces protein synthesis. This leads to a loss of muscle tissue.

Some key points about decreased muscle mass:

• Causes
  • Aging
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Malnutrition
  • Serious injuries
  • Chronic diseases like cancer or kidney disease
• Symptoms may include:
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Difficulty with daily activities like climbing stairs or carrying groceries
• Risks
  • Increased risk of falls and fractures
  • Impaired ability to regulate blood sugar
  • Slower metabolism
  • Greater disability and loss of independence
• Diagnosis involves:
  • Medical history
  • Physical exam
  • Sometimes blood tests or imaging studies
• Treatment focuses on:
  • Exercise with resistance/strength training
  • Getting enough protein and calories
  • Treating underlying causes
  • Physical therapy
  • Sometimes medications like steroids or hormone therapy

Proper nutrition and regular resistance and weight-bearing exercise are vital for maintaining muscle mass, especially as we age. Consult a healthcare professional at Harmonize Health if you have ongoing weakness or wasting to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.