Build muscle and you'll live longer

[MuscleInk]

New research from UCLA demonstrates a link between muscle mass and longevity. The study, published in the American Journal of Medicine, suggests that the more muscle mass older Americans have, the less likely they are to die prematurely. The findings add to the growing evidence that overall body composition -- and not the widely used body mass index, or BMI -- is a better predictor of all-cause mortality.

The body composition of subjects participating in the study was measured using bioelectrical impedance, which involves running an electrical current through the body (muscle allows the current to pass more easily than fat due to muscle's water content). In this way, the researchers could determine a muscle mass index -- the amount of muscle relative to height -- similar to a body mass index. They looked at how this muscle mass index was related to the risk of death. They found that all-cause mortality was significantly lower in the fourth quartile of muscle mass index compared with the first quartile. In other words, the greater your muscle mass, the lower your risk of death, thus, rather than worrying about weight or body mass index, we should be trying to maximize and maintain muscle mass.

Preethi Srikanthan, Arun S. Karlamangla. Muscle Mass Index as a Predictor of Longevity in Older-Adults. The American Journal of Medicine, 2014; DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2014.02.007

[austinite]

How many ohms?

[MuscleScience]

Great study!

To a point, increased body mass lean or otherwise after a certain point decreases longevity. Muscle in moderation, one huge factor in health and disability in older adults is the decrease in lean mass after the age of 40. It's important for people to build muscle and bone density as they age for continued good health.

New research from UCLA demonstrates a link between muscle mass and longevity. The study, published in the American Journal of Medicine, suggests that the more muscle mass older Americans have, the less likely they are to die prematurely. The findings add to the growing evidence that overall body composition -- and not the widely used body mass index, or BMI -- is a better predictor of all-cause mortality.

The body composition of subjects participating in the study was measured using bioelectrical impedance, which involves running an electrical current through the body (muscle allows the current to pass more easily than fat due to muscle's water content). In this way, the researchers could determine a muscle mass index -- the amount of muscle relative to height -- similar to a body mass index. They looked at how this muscle mass index was related to the risk of death. They found that all-cause mortality was significantly lower in the fourth quartile of muscle mass index compared with the first quartile. In other words, the greater your muscle mass, the lower your risk of death, thus, rather than worrying about weight or body mass index, we should be trying to maximize and maintain muscle mass.

Preethi Srikanthan, Arun S. Karlamangla. Muscle Mass Index as a Predictor of Longevity in Older-Adults. The American Journal of Medicine, 2014; DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2014.02.007

[RaginCajun]

How many ohms?

It is actually jiggawatts, 1.21 to be exact