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Muscle and weight loss

October 2, 2024

Emsculpt Neo

Recently, there has been a lot of talk about muscle loss and its impact on our health, especially with the introduction of GLP-1 RA medications for weight loss. But muscle loss isn’t just tied to weight loss treatments—it can also occur as we age, become ill, or lead inactive lives.
What are some effective strategies for maintaining muscle health and strength?
What Causes Muscle Loss?
Muscle loss, often referred to as sarcopenia or muscle wasting, can happen for various reasons, from natural aging to lifestyle habits. Common causes include:
• Aging
• Lack of physical activity
• Poor nutrition
• Chronic illness or disease
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medications, including weight loss treatments
When muscle breakdown outpaces muscle protein synthesis, muscle loss occurs. This daily imbalance becomes a problem when the body cannot replace muscle cells quickly enough, often triggered by factors like reduced appetite, illness, or unintended or rapid weight loss, which deprive the body of essential nutrients for muscle maintenance.
Why Muscle is Vital to Overall Health
Maintaining muscle mass is crucial not just for strength but for overall health. Muscle plays a significant role in regulating blood sugar, managing energy, and protecting against conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, frailty, and dementia. In fact, having more muscle helps stabilize blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of developing diabetes over time.
A gradual loss of muscle mass can lead to insulin resistance, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Studies have repeatedly shown a connection between declining muscle function and the progression of heart conditions.
In short, preserving muscle isn’t just about staying fit; it’s about protecting yourself from serious health issues. Regular strength training and a balanced diet are key to supporting muscle health, boosting well-being, and extending longevity.
The Ripple Effect of Muscle Loss
Beyond the increased risk of metabolic diseases, muscle is essential for daily movement, balance, and stability. Losing muscle can lead to a higher risk of falls and make everyday tasks—like shopping, cleaning, or even walking—more difficult. It can also slow recovery from illness or injury, negatively affecting long-term quality of life.
Our muscle is foundational to maintaining health and independence as we age. Keeping it strong should be a priority for maintaining vitality and autonomy.
How to Protect Muscle: Protein and Strength Training
Consuming high-quality protein and engaging in regular strength training are proven ways to support muscle health. A diet rich in protein, paired with consistent resistance training, improves muscle strength, supports blood sugar control, and helps slow bone loss.
A helpful guideline to follow is the “30-30-30” rule: aim for 30 grams of high-quality protein, three times a day, spread evenly throughout the day. Here are some excellent protein sources and simple exercises to support muscle growth and maintenance:
High-Quality Protein Sources:
• Lean meats like chicken, turkey, and beef
• Fish and seafood, such as salmon, tuna, and shrimp
• Eggs and dairy products, including Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk
• Plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, lentils, and beans
• Supplements, such as whey protein or advanced solutions like Protect & Restore Advanced Protein+
Simple Strength-Building Exercises:
• Bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks
• Resistance band exercises for targeted muscle training
• Dumbbell or kettlebell exercises for added resistance
• Yoga or Pilates for improving flexibility, balance, and muscle tone
In order to jumpstart your muscle building and augment fat loss Emsculpt Neo at Jane Olson MD is an advanced unique device that can build 8 areas of the body areas in a short period of time.
By incorporating high-quality protein into your meals and incorporating these exercises and Emsculpt Neo in Baton Rouge into your routine, you can better support muscle maintenance and overall health.
Conclusion
Muscle loss is more than just a weight management issue. It can stem from aging, inactivity, illness, or poor nutrition, and it plays a critical role in maintaining health, from regulating blood sugar to protecting against cardiovascular disease.
To counteract muscle loss, it’s important to prioritize regular exercise and a protein-rich diet. By focusing on muscle health with Emsculpt Neo, you can improve your quality of life, support long-term health, and maintain your independence as you age. What we do now will pay off in our later decades!
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Doctor Olson is board certified and is fellowship trained as an oculofacial plastic surgeon.
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Jane Olson, MD
8440 Bluebonnet Blvd, Ste B
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Phone: 225.766.0005
The information available on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation where a physician’s judgment may advise you about specific disorders, conditions and or treatment options. We hope the information will be useful for you to become more educated about your health care decisions.
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