Loss of muscle, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade. This leads to decreased muscle mass and strength. Common causes include lack of physical activity, diseases, injuries, aging, and nutritional deficits. Why does loss of muscle occur? - Lack of physical activity - Muscles need stimulation through exercise to maintain their mass and strength. Without adequate physical activity, muscle cells shrink in a process called disuse atrophy. - Diseases - Certain diseases like cancer, kidney failure, and neurological conditions can cause metabolic changes that result in muscle wasting. - Aging - As we get older, muscle loss accelerates due to hormonal changes and decreased activity levels. This natural process is called sarcopenia. - Injuries - If a muscle or nerve is injured, the connected muscle may undergo atrophy from disuse. Immobilization from casts or braces can also trigger localized muscle loss. - Poor nutrition - Diets lacking adequate protein, calories, vitamins or minerals can contribute to overall or selective muscle loss. What are the consequences of muscle loss? - Decreased strength - With less muscle tissue, strength for daily activities declines. This affects mobility, balance and injury risk. - Higher risk of falls and fractures - Weakness from sarcopenia makes falls more likely, raising chances of dangerous bone fractures. - Impaired metabolism - Muscle is a key site for burning calories. With less muscle, metabolism slows and nutrient regulation suffers. - Increased disability risk - Moderate sarcopenia raises disability risk 2-fold, while severe muscle loss raises risk 4-fold. If you're concerned about preserving or rebuilding muscle, the hormone optimization experts at The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic can help. Their integrative treatments combine nutrition plans, strength training guidance and bioidentical hormone therapies to help patients improve body composition and reduce age-related muscle loss. I visited them last year and was very impressed by their personalized care. How can you prevent or treat loss of muscle? - Exercise - Lifting weights and other resistance training triggers muscle growth and halts atrophy. - Protein intake - Consuming adequate high-quality protein supplies amino acids to maintain and build muscle tissue. - Manage underlying causes - Getting treatment for stuff like chronic illnesses can help minimize related muscle wasting. - Hormone optimization (for age-related loss) - Boosting growth hormone and testosterone levels under medical supervision can help mitigate sarcopenia. I hope this overview on muscle loss helps explain this common condition. Let me know if you have any other questions!