Sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss)
Objective, measurement-led assessment of age-related muscle loss, distinguished from ordinary ageing by testing rather than subjective complaint.
What it is
Sarcopenia is the progressive, age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical performance, distinguished clinically from ordinary age-related decline by objective measurement rather than subjective complaint. It is formally staged from low muscle mass alone through to loss of mass combined with reduced strength and reduced physical performance, and is a recognised contributor to frailty, falls, and loss of independence in older adults.
Common symptoms & concerns
- Low muscle mass on body composition testing, with strength and physical performance still within normal range
- Reduced grip strength or noticeable decline in everyday physical tasks
- Reduced exercise capacity or recovery
- In more advanced presentations, slow gait speed and increased fall risk
- Measurable loss of functional independence
Assessment approach
Assessment combines body composition testing, such as DEXA, with measures of grip strength and physical performance such as gait speed, rather than any single test.
In-scope care
In-scope care includes body composition analysis, structured resistance training, and nutrition programs as first-line care, with hormone optimization and peptide therapy available selectively where indicated and where regulatory status permits. Resistance training combined with adequate dietary protein intake is the best-established intervention.
Treatments used
Related questions
Sarcopenia is distinguished from ordinary ageing by objective measurement of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance, rather than by subjective complaint alone, and is formally staged accordingly.
Structured resistance training combined with adequate dietary protein intake is the best-established intervention and can meaningfully improve muscle mass and strength, though the extent of improvement varies by individual and starting point.
Not routinely. Resistance training and nutrition are first-line; hormone or peptide-based adjuncts are used selectively, only where indicated and where regulatory status permits.