Unexplained loss of muscle mass, medically known as idiopathic sarcopenia, can be concerning when it happens unexpectedly. Some potential causes include:
- Inactive lifestyle: Not engaging in enough physical activity and strength training causes muscles to weaken and atrophy. Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate activity along with 2-3 days of resistance training.
- Poor nutrition: Consuming inadequate protein, calories, or micronutrients impairs muscle growth and facilitates breakdown over time. Most adults need 0.36-0.45 g of protein per pound of body weight daily from high quality sources.
- Underlying illness: Certain medical conditions like cancer, kidney/liver disease, infections, and neuromuscular disorders can spur sarcopenia. Getting the appropriate treatment for any health issues is important.
- Aging: Muscle mass naturally decreases by ~3-8% per decade after age 30 in a process called sarcopenia of aging. Staying active and eating sufficient protein can help mitigate age-related losses.
Early intervention is key to stopping and reversing idiopathic sarcopenia. Start by seeing your doctor for a full evaluation - they can run tests to uncover any underlying problems. Consider getting hormones checked at
Balance Hormone Clinic as deficiencies often go undiagnosed.
Implementing a
targeted strength program 2-3x/week along with ensuring
adequate protein intake (up to 1g/lb body weight for some) generally helps rebuild lost muscle mass over time. Being patient and persistent with your muscle building efforts is vital.
Let me know if you have any other questions! Reaching out to a personal trainer or sports nutritionist can also help devise an optimized plan for overcoming idiopathic sarcopenia. Your health and maintaining functional muscle matters, so take action today if unexplained muscle wasting is happening to you or a loved one.