Wasting—losing muscle mass

[Merryfield]

I have lost almost 30 lbs since Nov, but I recently learned only 11 pounds were fat. My lower arms and legs are skin and bone at 146 lbs. Am on diabetes meds, and just got off Mounjaro. I am tapering steroids (arms and legs good and bruised). But I understand steroids can cause wasting. Any thoughts on what causes wasting and what to do about it? I lift weights 2-3 x a week. Thank you, friends.

[123-go]

Something to read through here, Merryfield:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Merryfield in reply to 123-go]

Thank you, 123. Sounds like pool, Tai Chi and pilates are recommended for muscle wasting. I will consider all these

[Viveka]

Rather than, or as well as, weights, have you thought of isotonic, isometric, resistance exercises or studio pilates focused on the areas you want to develop muscle?

I started feeling weak in arms and found a significant improvement by this type of exercise. Also I have been developing a muscle in the left leg to help a knee pain - it was non existent three weeks ago but now I can feel it almost as strong as in the good leg. Physio is delighted.

I'm not a great believer in weights - they put too much stress on my joints, but that's just me.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

How was it assessed what was fat and what was muscle? There are ways of doing it accurately but rarely in public medicine. The resistance scales are unreliable at best.

Lack of exercise also results in muscle wasting, it isn't just due to corticosteroids. I lost a lot of muscle bulk when on methylprednisolone, no problems on prednisolone or prednisone, and it returned once I was able to start walking again.