This is part 7 in “Muscle: The Organ that Powers Vitality”
In this series, discover how skeletal muscle, the body’s largest organ, impacts health and longevity. From regulating hormones and blood sugar to boosting brain health, muscles are far more than just a source of strength.
When we think of top killers, our minds typically jump to smoking, cancer, and obesity. However, there’s a hidden danger within our bodies that many people, including doctors, overlook.
Intramuscular fat, or fat stored within muscles, poses a significant health risk. Studies on body composition reveal that individuals with fatty muscles face a dramatically increased risk of death. This silent threat affects even those who aren’t obese, potentially shortening lives unnoticed.
Muscles: Quantity Versus Quality
Muscle discussions typically focus on size and strength, but recent research emphasizes quality over quantity. Odessa Addison, an associate professor at the University of Maryland with a doctorate in rehabilitation science, underscores this shift.
