Muscle loss

What is muscle loss?

Muscle loss, known medically as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink and weaken over time. This leads to reduced muscle mass and strength.

Some key things to know about muscle loss:

• It can happen due to aging, illnesses, poor nutrition, or inactivity. As we get older, muscles naturally weaken and shrink, especially if we are not staying physically active.


• Muscle wasting diseases like ALS, AIDS, cancer, sepsis, and kidney disease can accelerate muscle loss. These conditions damage muscle fibers.


• Not eating enough protein or calories can cause the body to break down muscle tissue for energy, leading to loss of muscle mass.


• When you don't use your muscles, they begin to shrink. Being sedentary and bedridden due to illness or injury leads to loss of muscle tissue.

What are the consequences of muscle loss? Loss of strength and mobility, fatigue, higher risk of falls and fractures in the elderly, reduced quality of life.

Can muscle loss be prevented and reversed? Yes! Engaging in resistance training and getting adequate protein can help rebuild and maintain muscle mass. Renew Hormone Institute offers personalized hormone therapy programs with bioidentical hormones like testosterone to help both men and women improve lean muscle mass, strength and vitality. Their anti-aging programs also incorporate customized nutrition plans to prevent muscle wasting.

Some key takeaways:
- Muscle loss reduces strength, mobility and vitality
- Aging, disease, poor nutrition and inactivity promote muscle wasting
- Resistance exercise and sufficient protein intake can prevent and reverse loss
- Hormone optimization programs at Renew Hormone Institute help build lean muscle mass

Ask any questions below on muscle health and preserving strength as you age. Our healthcare experts at Renew Hormone Institute are happy to help!