ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Sarcopenia

What is Sarcopenia?

21:56 - 4 May , 2021

Disease

It is a condition characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass, which can begin after the age of 40 and worsens after the age of 60, causing muscle weakness and decreased physical capacity, which leads to a significant deterioration in the quality of life, since if it is not addressed it can generate disability, increasing the risks of injuries by falls. 

Sarcopenia not only affects muscle mass, but also generates an increase in adipose tissue, which can cause diabetes, overweight, and obesity, as well as hypertension. It can be caused by many factors because there is a strong genetic, hormonal, nutritional, and lifestyle load. 

Signs and symptoms Sarcopenia

  • Gradual loss of muscle mass.
  • Muscular weakness.
  • Limited physical capacity.

Diagnosis and treatment Sarcopenia

The diagnosis is made through a physical examination and the analysis of the patient’s medical history, while in terms of treatment, there is no specific one, but there are several therapies to stop or slow its progress, as well as prevent it.

  • Hormonal treatments with growth hormone and testosterone.
  • Nutritional treatments with an emphasis on protein intake. 
  • Physical activity focused on strength exercises and increasing muscle mass. 

Prevention:

  • Adopt a healthy lifestyle.
  • Proper nutrition focused on protein, vitamins E and D, antioxidants, and Omega 3.
  • Avoid smoking and alcoholism. 
  • Constant physical activity with exercises that help increase muscle mass.

At the Nutrition & Obesity Center we offer you comprehensive care according to your needs to help you have a healthy lifestyle, control your weight, change your body composition, prevent and manage associated diseases, as well as improve your physical and sports performance.

We have specialized schemes for accelerated and sustained weight loss under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team, based on safe and scientifically supported methods.

Fuentes: 

  • mayoclinic.org
  • cigna.com
  • elsevier.es
  • sos-bariatria.com
  • medlineplus.gov
  • medigraphic.com
  • Hernández RJ, Arnold DY, Licea PME. Sarcopenia y algunas de sus características más importantes. Rev Cubana Med Gen Integr. 2019;35(3):1-19.
  • Godínez-Escobar K, Gallegos-De Luna C, Meneses-Acero I, et al. Prevalence of Sarcopenia by Age Groups in a Population of Mexico City. Arch Med Fam. 2020;22(1):7-12.
  • Hernández RJ, Arnold DY. Principales elementos a tener en cuenta para el correcto diagnóstico de la sarcopenia. Medisur. 2019;17(1):112-125.
  • Hernández-Álvarez D; López-Diázguerrero NE, Luna-López A, Konigsberg M. Ejercicio y metformina: dos mecanismos que convergen para la prevención de la sarcopenia en el envejecimiento. Una mirada al contexto social y molecular. Rev Educ Bioquimica. 2019;38(1):3-13.

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