Sarcopenia: What Every NP Needs to Know

•Sarcopenia is insidious and requires health care providers to be vigilant.•Sarcopenia is a complex geriatric condition that manifests in the loss of muscle mass and function.•Negative outcomes include significant health care costs and significant morbidity.•Diagnosis requires screening, performance of simple tests, and imaging.•Diet and exercise are fundamental to the treatment, and collaboration ensures optimal outcomes.

Sarcopenia is a complex geriatric condition resulting in age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. Onset occurs in adults as young as 40 years old and affects up to 50% of those over 80 years of age. Sarcopenia results in reduced quality of life, disability, and significant health care costs. Diagnosis involves a history, physical, and imaging tests. Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach to address comorbidities, diet, and exercise prescription. As gatekeepers in primary care, nurse practitioners' knowledge of evidenced-based interventions for sarcopenia is critical if they are to be an effective part of the solution for this significant health care challenge.