Muscle aches are also referred to as myalgia and muscle pain, and it is a general term used to describe pain or discomfort within the muscles, according to University of Tennessee Medical Center. Muscle aches or pain often accompany muscle cramps or spasms, injuries and other ailments. Secondary problems associated with weight loss, especially rapid weight loss, may lead to muscle aches. For example, fatigue, dehydration or the flu may cause muscle aches during weight loss.
Fatigue
Increased physical activity and decreased caloric intake are both common methods used to lose weight. A sudden increase in physical activity may cause muscles to fatigue, ache and even spasm. Muscle spasms may further increase muscle aches and pain.
A restricted diet and low caloric intake often restricts carbohydrate consumption, which is fuel for the muscles. The carbohydrate or glycogen stores then become depleted and may cause muscles to fatigue more quickly, ache and spasm as well.
Overtraining & Overuse Injuries
Fatigued and energy-depleted muscles may be at an increased risk for overtraining and overuse injuries. Another risk factor is lack of recovery time between high intensity workouts such as boot camps, which are workout routines often used to promote weight loss. A symptom of overtraining and some overuse injuries is myalgia or muscle aches, according to a May 1997 article in the journal "The Physician and Sports Medicine."
Dehydration
Dehydration may occur during weight loss due to the lack of water consumption, increased sweating during workouts or water lost as glycogen stores are depleted. Water makes up approximately 70 percent of muscles, therefore dehydration greatly impacts muscle function. Many symptoms are experienced with dehydration including muscle aches.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Dehydration along with a restricted diet may cause electrolytes to become imbalanced or depleted. The electrolytes sodium, potassium and calcium all help with muscle function and contraction as well as water absorption. Imbalances of these electrolytes deteriorates muscle function and inhibits water absorption. Therefore muscle aches and spasms are commonly experienced with electrolyte imbalances, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Suppressed Immune System
David C. Nieman states in the book "Exercise and Sport Science" that restricted caloric intake and weight loss may suppress the immune system in some individuals such as athletes. A suppressed immune system increases the risk of becoming sick with a cold, flu or other ailment. Therefore if muscle aches are accompanied with other flu-like symptoms, a restricted diet and suppressed immune system may be increasing the risk of illness.
Prevention
Muscle aches during weight loss may be avoided with gradual weight loss of one to two pounds a week. Consume a variety of foods and a daily multivitamin to avoid nutrition imbalances and drink at least eight glasses of water daily to stay hydrated. Increase physical activity gradually, allowing plenty of recovery time to avoid fatigue, overuse injuries and achy muscles.
References
- University of Tennessee Medical Center: Muscle Aches
- "The Physician and Sports Medicine": Managing Overuse Injuries: A Systemic Approach
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Muscle Cramps
- "Exercise and Sport Science": David C. Nieman, 2000
- "Women's Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation": Nadya Swedan, 2001
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