Has muscle mass been shown as a predictor of long life expectancy

Muscle mass and strength are indeed good predictors of long-term health and lifespan. According to Peter Attia, low muscle mass and strength are significantly linked with higher risks of all-cause mortality. Individuals with high muscle mass have a much lower risk of death compared to those with low muscle mass, and the risk is even more pronounced when considering muscle strength. Strength training can especially help people maintain their muscle power and neuromuscular health as they age, which is crucial for maintaining functionality such as the ability to stand up and move, and to prevent falls 1.

Muscle mass significantly influences life expectancy through several mechanisms:

1. Enhanced Metabolic Health: Muscle mass improves metabolic health by increasing basal metabolic rate, which helps in maintaining a healthy weight and managing blood sugar levels. This is crucial for preventing metabolic diseases, which are significant risk factors for early mortality.

2. Improvement in Physical Function: Muscle strength enhances physical function, providing better mobility and independence in older age. This prevents falls and injuries, which are common causes of health decline in the elderly.

3. Reduction in Chronic Disease Risk: Maintaining muscle mass can help mitigate the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some forms of cancer, owing to improved glucose metabolism, better cardiovascular health, and overall vitality.

4. Support for Longevity Factors: Muscle can act as a reservoir for amino acids that are vital during sickness, which helps in maintaining strength and immunity. Moreover, muscle tissues are important for maintaining optimal levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factors, which are linked with longevity 1.

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