Understanding Sarcopenia and Who Is at Risk

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Sarcopenia is a condition where significant muscle mass and strength are lost, usually as a result of aging and malnutrition. This loss of muscle can lead to serious complications such as:

• Increased risk of falls

• Poor mobility and frailty

• Delayed wound healing

• Reduced independence and quality of life

 

Are You or a Loved One at Risk?

A simple way to screen for sarcopenia risk is by asking the following questions:

1. Are they over 70 years old?

2. Have they been hospitalised more than once in the past year?

3. Can they walk independently for more than 1,000 metres?

4. Have they unintentionally lost more than 2 kg in the last year?

5. Do they eat three balanced meals every day without skipping?

6. Do they consume protein-rich foods (such as poultry, meat, fish, eggs, or ham) at least once daily?

 

How to Interpret the Answers

• If the answer to the first four questions is “yes”, and

• The answer to the last two questions is “no”,

👉 then the risk of sarcopenia and malnutrition is very high.

 

Why Early Detection Matters

Identifying risk early allows for timely interventions such as:

• Increasing protein intake (through diet or supplements)

• Engaging in regular strength-based exercise

• Addressing any underlying medical issues

• Ensuring adequate calories and nutrients to support recovery

These steps can help maintain independence, prevent complications, and improve overall health.

is defined when someone is so malnourished and has started to lose significant muscle mass, leading to complications such as falls and non healing wound.


Source:
1. Peterson SJ, Mozer M (February 2017). "Differentiating Sarcopenia and Cachexia Among Patients With Cancer". Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 32 (1): 30–39.
2. Ata AM, Kara M, Kaymak B, Özçakar L (October 2020). "Sarcopenia Is Not "Love": You Have to Look Where You Lost it!". American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 99 (10): e119–e120.
3. Cruz-Jentoft AJ, Baeyens JP, Bauer JM, Boirie Y, Cederholm T, Landi F, et al. (July 2010). "Sarcopenia: European consensus on definition and diagnosis: Report of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People". Age and Ageing. 39 (4): 412–423.
4. A P Rossi 1, R Micciolo, S Rubele, F Fantin, C Caliari, E Zoico, G Mazzali, E Ferrari, S Volpato, M Zamboni. "Assessing the Risk of Sarcopenia in the Elderly: The Mini Sarcopenia Risk Assessment (MSRA) Questionnaire". Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging 2017;21(6):743-749.