What is sarcopenia?

    Researchedby:

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalized skeletal muscle disorder characterized by a loss of muscle mass and strength and is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including falls, bone fractures, postoperative complications, physical disability, and mortality.[1][2]

    There are two types of sarcopenia — primary and secondary. Sarcopenia is considered primary when it results from no other underlying cause except for age.[1] It is considered secondary when causal factors other than age are present, such as disease (e.g., cancer, advanced organ failure), malnutrition, or physical inactivity.

    What is sarcopenia? - Examine