Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function; contributing factors include anabolic resistance, neuromuscular changes, chronic inflammation, and inactivity. Under the EWGSOP2 (2019) consensus, low muscle strength (grip strength or chair-stand) is the primary criterion for probable sarcopenia, confirmed by low muscle quantity or quality (DXA, BIA, CT/MRI), with poor physical performance defining severity. Since October 2016 it has its own ICD-10-CM code (M62.84), recognising it as an independent clinical condition.