A recent study conducted by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) has unearthed some concerning findings about weight loss and muscle mass.
The study, which was published in the journal ‘Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism’, reveals that losing weight and then regaining it can negatively impact muscle mass.
The research, led by Tom Yates, a Professor of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Health at the University of Leicester, involved 622 adults who were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The study was part of a larger intervention called ‘Walking Away from Type 2 Diabetes’, which focused on increasing physical activity, particularly walking, among participants.
Over the course of the study, the team closely monitored the participants’ weight changes for two 24-month periods.
They used bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to measure body composition, specifically looking at fat mass and fat-free mass, like muscle. To ensure accuracy, these measurements were validated against dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans.
One of the key insights from Professor Yates is the importance of fat-free mass, which mainly comprises muscle mass.
He explains that while it’s natural to lose some fat-free mass as we age, lifestyle factors can accelerate this loss. This is crucial because losing muscle mass can lead to issues like muscle weakness and frailty in the long term.
The findings were striking. Although most participants maintained their body weight without significant changes to their fat mass or muscle mass, a small group (about 4.5% of observations) experienced a weight loss of over 5% during the first 12 months, only to regain it in the next 12 months.
What was alarming was that these individuals regained all their fat mass but lost about 1.5 kg of their muscle mass. According to Professor Yates, this loss is equivalent to about a decade of aging.
This phenomenon, often referred to as ‘weight cycling’, seems to be associated with a progressively worsening body composition.
In simple terms, when someone loses weight and then regains it, they might end up with more fat and less muscle than before.
This could have significant implications for their long-term physical health, particularly as it relates to muscle strength and overall fitness.
In conclusion, the Leicester study highlights a critical aspect of weight management and its impact on muscle health.
It underscores the need for a more sustainable approach to weight loss, one that not only focuses on shedding pounds but also on preserving muscle mass for long-term physical health and well-being.
If you care about muscle, please read studies about factors that can cause muscle weakness in older people, and scientists find a way to reverse high blood sugar and muscle loss.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about an easy, cheap way to maintain muscles, and results showing these vegetables essential for your muscle strength.
The research findings can be found in Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism.
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