A NEW STUDY SHOWS THAT THOSE WITH SIGNIFICANT muscle loss sarcopenia) have a higher risk of early mortality. And those who have both sarcopenia and obesity are three times more likely to die early.
I recently wrote about sarcopenia, or muscle loss surpassing what is typical with age.
Sarcopenia: What You Need to Know
SARCOPENIA IS AGE-RELATED PROGRESSIVE LOSS of muscle mass and strength. Researchers posit that a sedentary lifestyle here: medium.com
Fighting Muscle Loss
In my article, I discussed ways to fight back against muscle loss.
- Exercise. I am always physically active life. My physical activity includes resistance training.
- Eat well. I eat a relatively balanced, healthy diet incorporating 25 to 35 grams of high-quality protein in each main meal.
- Routine physicals. I regularly see a healthcare provider.
Supplements for Optimizing Your Muscle Mass
With my recent turn to over-60 bodybuilding, I use these evidence-based supplements:
- Creatine. This substance can help me increase or maintain muscle mass.
- Whey protein is a central supplement to my diet, helping me preserve muscle mass. I currently consume about one gram per pound.
- Vitamin D. This supplement helps me maintain my bones and muscles.
New Study Examines Sarcopenia and Early Mortality
Researchers recently reported the results of a population-based cohort study published in JAMA Network Open.
They wanted to better understand the prevalence of more than usual muscle loss with age.
Here is how they defined sarcopenia: Subjects had it if they had a low handgrip strength and low skeletal muscle mass.
They measured muscle mass in the legs (including the pelvis) and arms (including the shoulders).
Study Results: Sarcopenia and Early Mortality
Here are the results after ten years of follow-up:
Subjects with sarcopenia had a nearly 1.3 times higher risk of early mortality (than those without the condition). Those with sarcopenia and obesity had a three times higher risk for all-cause mortality.
Age and sex did not affect the findings.
Takeaway Messages
The investigators concluded that we might use low muscle strength as a first step to diagnose sarcopenia.
The study suggested that non-drug interventions — including diet and exercise training — can help delay sarcopenia onset.
I could not find a consideration of specific causes of death in the study.
Finally, because most subjects had European ancestry, we do not know if we can broadly generalize the research findings.
My Take
A greater amount (than usual) of muscle loss is not uncommon.
In this study, 13 percent had low muscle function.
The early mortality risk for obese individuals with sarcopenia is quite disturbing.
The good news?
As we develop better screening tools (such as testing hand grip), we can intervene with helpful lifestyle recommendations.
