Prof. Dr. Irfan Koca warns of early‑onset sarcopenia

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist Prof. Dr. İrfan Koca highlighted that sarcopenia – progressive loss of muscle mass and strength – can begin silently in a person’s thirties, not only in old age. He said the condition, which he called a “sneaky disease,” can impair mobility, balance, and independence, turning everyday tasks such as climbing stairs or rising from a chair into difficulties.

Koca urged early preventive measures: resistance training two to three times a week, adequate daily protein intake, correction of vitamin D deficiency and avoidance of prolonged inactivity. He stressed that early diagnosis is crucial and recommended that anyone noticing signs such as fatigue, slowed walking speed or frequent falls consult a specialist.

“Muscle loss is a natural part of ageing, but when it accelerates it becomes sarcopenia, affecting not only movement but also quality of life and independent living,” he said. By maintaining muscle health, he noted, people can improve their chances of staying autonomous in later years.