Muscle loss with age? New India guidelines warn of hidden health risks

NEW DELHI: Indian doctors are sounding the alarm about a little-known disease that could quietly rob millions of older people of mobility and independence: sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss.To address this issue, the Geriatric Society of India has released the country’s first ‘Guidelines for the Assessment and Management of Sarcopenia in India’. The recommendations, developed by experts in multiple specialties including geriatrics, orthopedics, endocrinology, physical therapy and nutrition, are designed to help doctors detect and treat muscle loss early — before it leads to falls, disability and loss of independence.Sarcopenia, literally meaning “muscle loss,” is the gradual decline in muscle mass, strength, and physical function that occurs with age. Doctors say it’s often overlooked but can significantly increase the risk of fractures, hospitalization and even death.This is a concern as India’s population ages rapidly. By 2050, the country’s population aged 60 and above is expected to reach approximately 319 million, accounting for more than one-fifth of the total population. Experts warn that sarcopenia could become a major public health challenge if preventive measures are not taken.Studies show that the disease affects 8% to 18% of community-dwelling older adults, rising to 25% to 40% among hospitalized older adults, with people with chronic diseases such as diabetes at higher risk.Dr. OP Sharma, leader of the guideline, emphasized that muscle health is at the core of healthy aging. “Strength preserves dignity. Early detection can save independence,” he said, noting that sedentary lifestyles, poor nutrition and chronic disease are accelerating muscle loss in older adults.The guidelines advise doctors to look for warning signs such as weak grip strength, slower walking speed and difficulty getting up from a chair. Screening tools such as the SARC-F questionnaire can help identify at-risk populations, particularly in primary care settings.The encouraging news, experts say, is that sarcopenia can often be prevented or slowed with simple lifestyle measures. Key recommendations include strength training two to three times per week, adequate protein intake, and correcting vitamin D deficiency. Doctors also recommend adding protein sources like dal, paneer, soybeans and legumes, especially in vegetarian diets.Dr. Raju Vaishya of Indraprastha Apollo Hospital said awareness about muscle health is still low. “India is a sarcopenic country,” he said, pointing to malnutrition, physical inactivity and aging as the main drivers.Dr. Randeep Guleria said the guidelines aim to integrate muscle health into routine medical care. “They connect science with clinical wisdom and make sarcopenia visible in everyday practice,” he said.Doctors say early detection and treatment can help millions of older adults stay mobile, independent and healthy longer, easing the growing medical burden of an aging population.