Sarcopenia Treatment in Singapore

Low muscle mass, also known as sarcopenia, occurs when muscle tissue gradually decreases, particularly with age. This progressive condition reduces muscle strength and function, affecting mobility, balance, and overall physical performance. The loss of muscle mass typically accelerates after age 50, with a decline rate of 1-2% per year, potentially increasing the risk of falls, fractures, and reduced independence in daily activities.

Muscle loss is influenced by various physiological and metabolic factors, including nutritional intake and chronic health conditions. Addressing these factors helps slow progression and improve muscle function.

Dr Donovan Tay

Senior Consultant Endocrinologist

Dr Ben Ng

Senior Consultant Endocrinologist

Symptoms of Low Muscle Mass & Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia leads to noticeable physical changes that affect strength, mobility, and endurance. These symptoms develop gradually and can impact daily activities.

Reduced Muscle Strength

Difficulty lifting objects or performing tasks that were previously manageable. Weakness affects both upper and lower body movements.
Decreased Walking Speed

Walking becomes slower and requires additional effort. Reduced gait speed often indicates the extent of muscle loss.
Poor Balance

Unsteadiness when standing or moving. This affects routine activities like climbing stairs or rising from a seated position.
Fatigue During Activities

Daily tasks require more energy and lead to earlier exhaustion. Activities may need to be broken into smaller segments with rest periods.
Unintentional Weight Loss

Progressive loss of body mass, particularly in the arms and legs, despite maintaining normal eating patterns.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to the development of low muscle mass and sarcopenia. Common factors include:

Age

Natural ageing leads to muscle fibre loss and reduced muscle protein synthesis. These changes become more pronounced after age 50.
Physical Inactivity

A sedentary lifestyle accelerates muscle deterioration. Limited physical activity, particularly resistance training, contributes to faster muscle loss.
Chronic Conditions

Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and other long-term conditions influence muscle metabolism and contribute to muscle loss.
Nutritional Deficiencies

Inadequate protein intake and insufficient overall nutrition affect muscle maintenance and growth.
Hormonal Changes

Declining levels of hormones such as testosterone, oestrogen, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) affect muscle maintenance. These changes occur naturally with ageing and may be influenced by metabolic and endocrine disorders.

Types of Sarcopenia

Primary Sarcopenia

Age-related muscle loss occurs without other clear causes. This type progresses gradually over time.

Secondary Sarcopenia

Muscle loss results from specific conditions, including chronic illness, immobility, or malnutrition. Treating the underlying cause can help slow progression.

Acute Sarcopenia

Sudden onset of muscle loss due to illness, hospitalisation, or prolonged bed rest. Recovery depends on the severity of muscle loss and the timing of intervention.

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Diagnostic Methods

Body Composition Analysis

Medical-grade body composition analysis uses bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to measure body composition. By sending a low, safe electrical current through the body, the machine is able to calculate the fat percentage, muscle mass and bone mass of an individual.

Muscle Mass Measurement

DXA (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scans analyse body composition by measuring fat, bone, and lean muscle mass. This imaging technique helps identify muscle loss and track changes over time.

Blood Tests

Laboratory analysis checks for underlying factors contributing to muscle loss, such as nutritional deficiencies and markers of chronic inflammation. These tests help identify treatable causes that may be accelerating muscle decline.

Treatment Options

Managing low muscle mass and sarcopenia involves a combination of physical activity, nutrition, and medical interventions to support muscle function and slow progression.

Exercise Programmes

Resistance training, combined with aerobic activities, helps maintain and improve muscle strength. Structured programmes typically involve 2-3 sessions per week, with gradual increases in intensity to enhance muscle performance and prevent further decline.

Nutritional Support

Adequate protein intake and balanced nutrition are necessary for muscle repair and maintenance. Ensuring sufficient calorie intake also helps prevent muscle breakdown.

Supplementation

Vitamin D, protein supplements, and amino acids may benefit individuals with deficiencies, supporting muscle function and recovery.

Management of Underlying Conditions

Addressing chronic diseases and metabolic disorders that contribute to muscle loss helps slow its progression. Adjustments in medication or targeted nutritional interventions may be necessary to support muscle health and function.

Prevention and Long-Term Management

Sustaining muscle health requires regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and ongoing health monitoring. Daily movement, including resistance and weight-bearing exercises, helps preserve strength, while adequate protein and essential nutrients support muscle maintenance. Routine check-ups aid in the early detection of muscle decline and metabolic imbalances. Lifestyle adjustments, such as optimised sleep, stress management, and staying active throughout the day, further contribute to long-term muscle function and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can lost muscle mass be regained?

Muscle mass can be partially restored through exercise and nutrition, even in older adults. Resistance training combined with adequate protein intake can increase muscle mass within 12-16 weeks of consistent effort.

Do women and men lose muscle mass at the same rate?

Men tend to lose muscle mass more rapidly than women due to differences in muscle composition and hormone levels. However, women experience accelerated muscle loss during and after menopause, which may increase their risk of sarcopenia.

How is sarcopenia different from general ageing?

Ageing naturally leads to some muscle loss, but sarcopenia is characterised by a faster-than-normal decline in muscle mass, strength, and function, affecting mobility and increasing the risk of falls and frailty.

Dr Ben Ng

Senior Consultant Endocrinologist

As a senior consultant endocrinologist with over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr Ben Ng provides comprehensive care for patients managing various endocrine conditions. His expertise includes the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, thyroid disorders, obesity, and a range of other metabolic and endocrine conditions.

Dr Ben Ng Jen Min graduated from the Queens University of Belfast Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK).
He completed his postgraduate training with the certificate of completion of training (CCT) from the Royal College of Physicians (UK) with dual accreditation in diabetes and endocrinology and in general internal medicine.
In 2010, he was awarded an MD with honours by the University of Hull, UK, in recognition for his research in diabetes mellitus

Dr Donovan Tay

Senior Consultant Endocrinologist

As a senior consultant endocrinologist with over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Donovan Tay provides comprehensive care for patients managing various endocrine conditions. His expertise includes the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, and a range of other metabolic and endocrine conditions.

Dr. Donovan Tay graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and obtained his membership in the Royal College of Physicians (UK), Master of Medicine (NUS), and Master of Clinical Investigation (NUS).
After completing training in endocrinology, he was conferred as a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS).
He further specialised in endocrinology with a fellowship at the prestigious Columbia University Medical Centre in New York City.

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We accept a wide selection of both local and international healthcare insurance to help you cover your medical treatment and follow-up care expenses. Rest assured, you can focus on your health & well-being with peace of mind. Kindly speak to our friendly clinic staff if you require any assistance for your healthcare insurance.