sarcopenia

noun

sar·​co·​pe·​nia ˌsär-kō-ˈpē-nē-ə How to pronounce sarcopenia (audio)
: reduction in skeletal muscle mass due to aging

Examples of sarcopenia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some studies suggest that CoQ10 can combat sarcopenia in older adults when used with exercise.18 CoQ10 has been studied in trials for sports performance at doses of 100 to 600 mg per day. Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024 This phenomenon—known as sarcopenia—manifests even in healthy, physically active individuals, beginning around the age of 40.10 Sarcopenia is a gradual process that varies significantly from person to person. Laura Campedelli, Verywell Health, 30 July 2024 In other words, combating or reversing sarcopenia, or both, may be best done with a proper resistance-training program that prioritizes improving strength. Zachary Gillen, Discover Magazine, 19 Oct. 2023 Recent evidence suggests that one of the key factors leading to sarcopenia is low muscle strength. Zachary Gillen, Discover Magazine, 19 Oct. 2023 Physical Activity and Exercise Though natural aging plays a dominant role in sarcopenia, lack of physical activity also contributes to the loss of muscle mass. Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 2 July 2023 Muscle atrophy in space isn’t exactly the same process as sarcopenia caused by gradual aging on Earth, Huang notes. Max G. Levy, Wired, 9 Aug. 2021 But day after day, the same repetitive-motion pounding that builds bone can pulverize knee and hip joints with osteo-arthritis and accelerate sarcopenia, muscle wasting. Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2019 With advanced age comes the potential for a loss in strength — dynapenia — and muscle mass — sarcopenia — with extreme cases yielding a significant increase in fat mass — known as sarcopenic obesity — the result of insulin resistance. Mackie Shilstone, nola.com, 19 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

sarco- + -penia

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sarcopenia was in 1991

Dictionary Entries Near sarcopenia

Cite this Entry

“Sarcopenia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sarcopenia. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

sarcopenia

noun
sar·​co·​pe·​nia ˌsär-kō-ˈpē-nē-ə How to pronounce sarcopenia (audio)
: reduction in skeletal muscle mass due to aging
Age-related sarcopenia is a key component of frailty.Alessandro Laviano, The New England Journal of Medicine
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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