Sarcopenia: Risk factors and management of muscle mass loss

Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass primarily observed during the aging process, typically appears after the age of 60. This condition can lead to reduced energy, decreased mobility, and an increased risk of falls and fractures, ultimately impacting quality of life.

Medical experts Andreas Melidonis and Karolos Papalazarou from Metropolitan Hospital note that skeletal muscles function as endocrine organs, releasing myokines that regulate physiological processes such as glucose and fatty acid oxidation, liver function, and mitochondrial activity. Physical activity promotes myokine secretion, whereas a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to cardiometabolic complications.

Muscle mass levels can be assessed through various methods, including DEXA scans, CT, MRI, or bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Functional indicators include strength, grip, walking speed, and specific tests like the chair stand or 6-minute walk tests. Risk factors include hormonal changes (decreased testosterone or estrogen), chronic inflammation, neuromuscular degeneration, nutritional deficiencies (such as anemia or lack of protein and vitamins D/B12), and a sedentary lifestyle.