Did you know? Muscle loss increases fall and fracture risks

After the age of 30, the body gradually begins to lose muscle mass, a process known as sarcopenia. Dr Kunal Sood, an anaesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine physician, broke down the real impact of this decline on Instagram on Wednesday.

He explained, “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

Skeletal muscle is one of the most metabolically active tissues. As it declines, the body’s ability to utilise glucose diminishes and fewer calories are burned at rest.

• “Less muscle means fewer cells using ATP at rest, lower thermogenesis, and reduced overall energy turnover, which contributes to a slower metabolism,” explains Dr Sood.

Increases insulin resistance

Muscle is the primary site for 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

Sarcopenia weakens strength, power, and reaction time, compromising the body's stability.

• Meta-analyses show muscle loss is associated with higher rates of fractures in older adults.

Linked to a shorter lifespan

Low muscle mass is linked to a higher risk of all-cause mortality due to reduced physiologic reserve and increased frailty.

Sarcopenia often coexists with chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, which compounds long-term health risks and hinders recovery from illness.