As people get older, changes in the body are natural. Muscle strength may slowly decrease, and body fat may increase. While each of these changes alone can affect health, new research shows that having both at the same time can be much more dangerous than previously thought.
A large study published in the journal Aging Clinical and Experimental Research has found that people with both excess belly fat and low muscle mass face a much higher risk of death.
The research was carried out by scientists from the Federal University of São Carlos in Brazil, together with University College London in the United Kingdom. The team followed more than 5,400 adults aged 50 and older over a period of 12 years.
The results showed that people with both conditions were 83 percent more likely to die during the study period compared to those who had neither condition. This combination is known as sarcopenic obesity. It is a condition where the body loses muscle while gaining fat, especially around the abdomen.
Sarcopenic obesity is not always easy to notice. A person may appear to have a normal weight or only mild weight gain, but still have low muscle mass. This makes it harder to detect without proper assessment. Over time, this condition can lead to weakness, reduced mobility, and a greater risk of falls. It can also reduce independence and quality of life.
The study also found something interesting. People who had low muscle mass but did not have excess belly fat actually had a lower risk of death. In contrast, people who had belly fat but still had good muscle mass did not show an increased risk. This suggests that it is the combination of the two that creates the greatest danger.
Scientists believe that this is because fat and muscle affect each other inside the body. Excess fat, especially around the abdomen, can increase inflammation. This inflammation can damage tissues and interfere with normal body functions. At the same time, it can speed up the loss of muscle.
Fat can also build up inside muscle tissue, making the muscles weaker and less effective. As muscle function declines, the body becomes less able to regulate blood sugar, maintain balance, and perform everyday tasks. This creates a cycle where health continues to decline over time.
One important part of this study is that it showed simple ways to detect this condition early. In the past, diagnosing sarcopenic obesity required expensive medical scans such as MRI or CT. These tests are not always available, especially in routine healthcare settings.
The researchers found that simple measurements can be used instead. For example, measuring waist size can help identify abdominal fat. Muscle mass can be estimated using basic information such as age, weight, height, and sex. These simple methods can help doctors identify people at risk much earlier.
Early detection is important because this condition can be managed. Regular physical activity, especially strength training, can help maintain or rebuild muscle. A healthy diet with enough protein can also support muscle health. At the same time, reducing excess fat through balanced eating and exercise can lower inflammation and improve overall health.
In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of looking beyond body weight alone. A person’s health is not just about how much they weigh, but also about how much muscle and fat they have. The combination of high abdominal fat and low muscle mass can be especially harmful.
The findings suggest that simple screening methods could help more people identify this risk early and take action. While the study shows a strong link between sarcopenic obesity and higher risk of death, it does not prove that one directly causes the other. More research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms.
However, the message is clear. Maintaining muscle and managing body fat are both important for healthy ageing. By focusing on both, people can improve their chances of staying active, independent, and healthy for longer.
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 health information, please see recent studies about an easy, cheap way to maintain muscles, and results showing these vegetables essential for your muscle strength.
Source: Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar).
