Muscle mass is the amount of muscle tissue present in your body. It includes all types of muscle: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac. You can think of it as a measure of your body composition, alongside fat mass and bone mass.
While skeletal muscles are the most visible, muscle mass also encompasses the smooth muscles responsible for involuntary actions like digestion and blood vessel constriction, and the cardiac muscle that powers your heart.
Here are some key points about muscle mass:
- Importance: Muscle mass is crucial for your overall health and well-being. It plays a vital role in maintaining strength, balance, and mobility, particularly as you age.
- Loss: It's common to lose muscle mass as you age, a condition called sarcopenia. This can lead to weakness, frailty, and an increased risk of falls.
- Building: Maintaining or building muscle mass is possible through regular exercise, particularly strength training, and a balanced diet rich in protein.
- Measurement: The most accurate way to measure muscle mass is through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
It's important to note that muscle mass is not just about aesthetics; it's essential for maintaining your physical function and overall health.
