Two people can be the same age and follow seemingly similar lifestyles, yet have very different body compositions. While genetics often gets the credit for these differences, muscle mass could be one of the key factors shaping how the body ages.
He pointed out that even among people of a similar age, differences in physical appearance and body composition can be significant. “Same age. Similar lifestyle. Very different body composition. But one thing is completely different. This difference is mostly due to muscle mass,” Dr Gupta said.
“Around the age of 30, muscle mass can start decreasing slowly. For this, strength training and protein are very important at this age,” Dr Gupta said. The decline is not simply about losing muscle definition or physical strength. Skeletal muscle plays an important role in supporting movement, maintaining stability and helping the body perform everyday activities.
It can be easy to attribute differences in body shape, strength or ageing to genetics. However, lifestyle factors, including physical activity, nutrition and maintaining muscle mass, can also play an important role. “But we very casually call this genetics,” Dr Gupta said, highlighting how muscle loss can sometimes be overlooked when assessing differences in how people age.
Lower muscle mass can affect more than appearance. Reduced strength may make everyday movements harder and can contribute to poorer balance and mobility as people get older. “Low muscle mass means weak bones, loose balance and fear of falling behind in old age,” Dr Gupta said.
The key takeaway is simple: ageing well isn’t only about eating healthy or staying at the same weight. Maintaining strength and muscle mass can also play an important role in staying active and independent as you age.
Dr. Ravi K. Gupta is a board-certified oncologist. He completed his MBBS from PGIMS Rohtak and later pursued an MD in Internal Medicine at Larkin Medical System in Miami, USA, where he also served as Chief Resident.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More
