Sarcopenia is a condition that starts in our forties characterized by loss of muscle, strength, and stamina. Unfortunately, 10% of the population over the age of 60 have it. It starts slowly, and the rate of muscle loss can reach 15% per year in later years. It typically progresses until 50% of muscle mass is gone by our eighth decade. Since muscles account for 60% of our total mass, this condition can result in serious weakness and other health issues. Although the effects may be noticeable early, they can lead to increased hospitalizations and nursing home care, and early death with older age groups. The good news is that it can be avoided with proper lifestyles. Read on for more information.
Read MoreWhen just looking at BMI, some very obese patients show no clinically measurable markers of disease, whereas patients with healthy BMI demonstrate illnesses associated with obesity, leading many clinicians to shun using only BMI as a reliable predictor of disease. It turns out that it matters where the fat is, especially if it is around your organs. Fat around the organs is called visceral fat and it is associated with increased risk of disease. Today, I will cover what those risks are and what to do about it.
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