After the age of 30, the body gradually begins to lose muscle mass – a process known as sarcopenia that often goes unnoticed and unaddressed. While most people associate muscle loss with reduced strength or mobility, its impact runs much deeper. Muscle isn’t just about movement; it plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, managing blood sugar, and maintaining overall resilience. Yet, this vital function is often overlooked, making age-related muscle loss a silent but significant factor in long-term health.
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Dr Kunal Sood, an anaesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine physician, is breaking down the real impact of age-related muscle loss – and it goes far beyond just reduced strength and mobility. In an Instagram video shared on April 1, the physician explains, “Muscle is not just for movement. It is a key organ for metabolism, glucose control, and resilience. Preserving muscle mass is central to long-term health and function.”
Slows metabolism
According to Dr Sood, skeletal muscle is one of the body’s most metabolically active tissues. As muscle mass declines, the body’s ability to absorb and utilise glucose diminishes, and fewer calories are burned at rest. Over time, this reduces overall energy turnover and contributes to a gradual slowdown in metabolism.
He explains, “Skeletal muscle is one of the body’s most metabolically active tissues. As muscle mass declines, resting energy expenditure drops. Less muscle means fewer cells using ATP at rest, lower thermogenesis, and reduced overall energy turnover, which contributes to a slower metabolism.”
Increases insulin resistance
Dr Sood highlights that skeletal muscle is the primary site of insulin-mediated glucose uptake. When muscle mass declines, the body’s ability to clear glucose from the bloodstream is compromised, meaning more insulin is required to achieve the same effect—ultimately worsening insulin resistance over time.
He elaborates, “Muscle is the primary site of insulin-mediated glucose uptake. Losing muscle reduces the body’s capacity to clear glucose from the bloodstream. Ageing muscle also develops mitochondrial dysfunction, fat infiltration, and impaired insulin signalling, further worsening insulin resistance.”
Raises risk of falls
The physician points out that age-related muscle loss, or sarcopenia, weakens strength, power, balance, and even reaction time. These changes compromise the body’s ability to stabilise itself during movement, significantly increasing the risk of falls.
He highlights, “Sarcopenia reduces strength, power, balance, and reaction time. Changes in motor units and neuromuscular function impair the ability to stabilise the body during movement. Meta-analyses show muscle loss is associated with higher rates of falls and fractures in older adults.”
Linked to shorter lifespan
According to Dr Sood, low muscle mass and function are linked to a higher risk of all-cause mortality. This is largely due to increased structural frailty and a reduced ability to recover from illness. He adds that factors such as chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and reduced mobility often coexist with sarcopenia, further compounding the risk.
He explains, “Low muscle mass and function are associated with higher all-cause mortality. This reflects reduced physiologic reserve, increased frailty, and poorer recovery from illness. Sarcopenia often coexists with inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and reduced mobility, all contributing to higher long-term risk.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
