HealthAugust 1, 2026

sarcopenia

sar-ko-PEE-nee-uh

Definition

The degenerative, age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, quality, and strength.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'sarx' (flesh) and 'penia' (poverty or lack). It was coined in 1989 to describe the age-related decline in muscle mass.

In the news

The article warns that older adults are particularly vulnerable to sarcopenia, noting that insufficient protein intake combined with a sedentary lifestyle could exacerbate this condition.

Eating less protein may support healthier aging

Read the full article ↗

Bioengineer.org

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