How much muscle mass is lost when sick?
                                
                                
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                                    6 min read                                
                            
                                According to a 2023 study published in the journal Critical Care, critically ill patients can lose nearly 2% of their skeletal muscle per day during the first week of intensive care. While this sounds alarming, the extent of muscle loss depends heavily on the severity and duration of the illness, as well as the individual's overall health. Understanding the mechanisms behind muscle degradation during sickness is crucial for minimizing its impact and planning a speedy recovery.