Where Did The Muscle Go
Sarcopenic Obesity
“Never eat more than you can lift” -Miss Piggy
Never eating more than you can lift is a nutritional strategy, but probably not the right one. Americans lead the world in excess fat. It is estimated at least 60% are considered either overweight or obese. Not good.
The term sarcopenia can be defined as the age-related loss of muscle mass, strength and function. The degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with aging is about 0.5-1% loss per year after the age of 25 if you do no training. Strength training and exercise have been shown to be beneficial in offsetting sarcopenia. It is important to get strong and stay strong.
Decreased physical activity as you age has appeared to be the key factor involved in producing sarcopenia. Recently, it has been found that an excessive amount of adipose tissue may also contribute to muscle loss. Excess fat may even accelerate the loss of muscle mass and strength with aging; an unwanted, but related synergism. Hence, the term 'sarcopenic obesity' now graces the literature.
Increasing your strength is tough; keeping your strength as you age is tougher. Managing your body composition goes a long way in helping keep you strong. Professional coaches that deal with aging athletes must be cognizant of the roll of adipose tissue and muscle. Managing your weight as you age is critical. Get lean to stay Strong.
