A leading doctor claims that obesity isn't as big of a health issue as people have been led to believe. Appearing on the Diary of CEO podcast, Dr Gabrielle Lyon said that the biggest thing people need to focus on now is their skeletal muscle. 'Everybody focuses on obesity, but obesity is not our problem,' she told host Steven Bartlett. 'If you are in the lower one-third of strength, you have a 50% greater risk of dying from nearly anything. You have to prioritise skeletal muscle.'

Skeletal muscle makes up almost 40% of a body's total mass and is responsible for movement, metabolism, energy, the storing of nutrients and more. 'This is the organ of longevity, the only organ system that you have voluntary control over,' Dr Lyon shared. 'Your skeletal muscle is your primary site for glucose metabolism and fatty acid metabolism. It is your body armour,' she continued. 'Those that are in the lower one-third for strength, you have a 50% greater risk of dying from nearly anything.'

To combat this, Dr Lyon said that resistance training with weights is key to good health and longevity. If you don't, not only are you at risk of physical effects like mobility issues, you're also risking a loss of brain functionality. 'The majority of dementia is Alzheimer's dementia, which plays a role in metabolic regulation - type three diabetes of the brain,' she said. 'If your skeletal muscle is unhealthy, you are likely having not only skeletal muscle insulin resistance but brain insulin resistance... You cannot be sedentary and be healthy.'

Why Is Muscle So Important?

Dr Lyon emphasized that a shift in perspective about muscle can have long-term positive effects on health. She argued that exercise and workouts aimed at strengthening muscles can prevent disease, optimize your body, and fundamentally alter your ageing process. She highlighted the critical role of skeletal muscle, which accounts for about 40% of the human body's weight and performs multiple functions, such as:

• Movement: Skeletal muscle is responsible for all voluntary movements, from walking and running to lifting objects and even breathing.
• Metabolism: Muscle tissue is a major site of glucose metabolism, meaning it helps regulate blood sugar levels. This is crucial for preventing diabetes.
• Energy Storage: Muscle stores glycogen, a type of carbohydrate, which can be used for energy.
• Hormone Production: Muscle tissue produces myokines, which are hormones that have a positive effect on overall health, including reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity.

The Consequences Of Neglecting Muscle Strength

Dr Lyon painted a stark picture of what can happen if you neglect your muscle health. She said that people who are in the bottom third for strength have a 50% higher risk of dying from any cause. This is because muscle weakness is linked to a range of health problems, including:

• Heart Disease: Weak muscles can contribute to heart disease, as they are less efficient at using glucose, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
• Alzheimer's Disease: Muscle weakness is also linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease, possibly due to the connection between muscle health and brain health.
• Obesity: People with weak muscles are more likely to be obese, as they burn fewer calories at rest.
• Infertility: Muscle weakness can also affect fertility, particularly in men, due to the link between muscle mass and testosterone levels.

The Importance Of Resistance Training

Dr Lyon strongly advocates for resistance training, such as weightlifting, as a way to build muscle and improve overall health. Resistance training has been shown to have numerous benefits, including:

• Increased Muscle Mass: Resistance training is the most effective way to increase muscle mass, which is essential for maintaining strength, mobility, and metabolic health.
• Improved Bone Density: Resistance training can help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis.
• Improved Blood Sugar Control: Resistance training can help improve blood sugar control by increasing insulin sensitivity.
• Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Resistance training has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.

The Future Of Muscle-Centric Medicine

Dr Lyon's work has helped to raise awareness of the importance of muscle health. Her Muscle-Centric Medicine approach emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining muscle as a key component of overall health and longevity. She believes that by focusing on muscle health, we can improve our health and prevent chronic disease.

Building A Stronger Future

Dr Lyon's message is clear: neglecting muscle health is a serious mistake. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about our overall well-being and our ability to live long, healthy lives. By prioritizing strength training and incorporating it into our fitness routines, we can take control of our health and build a stronger, healthier future.

Dr Lyon's warnings are a wake-up call for everyone, regardless of age. It's time to start prioritizing muscle health and make resistance training a regular part of our lives. The benefits are undeniable and can lead to a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.