What is Sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is the gradual, age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. It begins around age 30 and accelerates after 60. Without intervention, people lose 3–5% of muscle mass per decade. Sarcopenia is the primary driver of metabolic slowdown with aging, since muscle tissue burns approximately 13 calories/kg/day at rest. Prevention includes resistance training and adequate protein intake (1.8–2.2g per kg for adults over 50).