British Journal of Sports Medicine  BJSM blog

Strong for Life Part 1: Understanding Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength that begins around age 50, declining roughly 1‑2% per year. The condition is often under‑diagnosed despite clear links to falls, fractures, frailty, and higher mortality. Risk factors include sedentary behavior, smoking, poor nutrition, multimorbidity, and social isolation. Early detection through tools like the SARC‑F questionnaire and resistance‑training interventions can markedly improve functional independence and reduce health‑care costs.