Muscle loss, also called muscle atrophy, is something many people experience as they age or go through changes in their lifestyle or health.
It’s more than just a matter of appearance—losing muscle can make everyday tasks harder and can affect your overall health.
One of the biggest reasons for muscle loss is aging. As we get older, our muscles naturally lose size and strength. This can start in our 30s or 40s, but it becomes more noticeable after age 60. Scientists believe this happens because of changes in hormones, less physical activity, and the body becoming slower at building new muscle.
Another major cause is not using our muscles enough. When we don’t move or exercise regularly, muscles get weaker over time. People who spend long hours sitting or who are stuck in bed for medical reasons often lose muscle quickly. Even just a few weeks of not being active can lead to a drop in muscle strength.
What we eat also plays a big role in keeping our muscles healthy. Our bodies need protein and other nutrients to build and repair muscle. Many older adults don’t eat enough protein, which makes muscle loss happen faster. Not eating enough calories in general—especially when sick—can cause the body to break down muscle for energy.
Some health problems and medications can also lead to muscle loss. Illnesses that cause pain or long-term inflammation can make it harder to stay active. Conditions like cancer, heart disease, and kidney disease can directly impact muscle health. Some medicines used to treat these problems can also weaken muscles.
Hormone levels are another key factor. As we age, levels of growth hormones and testosterone drop. These hormones help muscles grow and repair. When they go down, the body has a harder time keeping muscle strong.
Genetics also play a part. Some people are naturally built with less muscle and may lose it more easily, especially under stress from illness, inactivity, or poor diet.
The good news is that research shows exercise, especially resistance training like lifting weights or using resistance bands, is very helpful. This kind of training can help prevent and even reverse muscle loss, even in older adults. It helps muscles grow and become stronger, no matter your age.
To help prevent muscle loss, it’s important to stay active, eat enough protein, and take care of any long-term health issues. Adding resistance exercises to your weekly routine can go a long way in keeping your muscles strong.
By understanding the causes of muscle loss, we can make better choices to stay healthy and strong as we age.
If you care about muscle, please read studies about factors that can cause muscle weakness in older people, and scientists find a way to reverse high blood sugar and muscle loss.
For more health information, please see recent studies about an easy, cheap way to maintain muscles, and results showing these vegetables essential for your muscle strength.
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