What if I told you that the obesity epidemic isn't quite as it appears, that there's an unseen but very real issue underlying it? Let's redefine our perspective here; we're dealing with an epidemic of poor muscle mass. In fact, this is what experts refer to as "Obesogenic Sarcopenia," the loss and destruction of muscle tissue.
Discovering Muscle-Centric Medicine
Many of you may be surprised to hear that our muscle is an organ in its own right. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining a robust metabolism, and as we age, the loss of muscle mass and strength is inextricably linked to many chronic diseases.
Let's start by discussing the idea of muscle-centric medicine. Most people overlook their muscles, even though it's the largest organ in our bodies and one of the keys to longevity. The conversation typically revolves around being overweight or obese, focusing on fat rather than muscle. Yet, the real issue is being "under-muscled."
Why Muscle Matters
Now you might be wondering, why should we think about muscle? Well, muscle is our metabolic currency, the largest site for glucose disposal, and significantly contributes to metabolic regulation, impacting conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular health, and Alzheimer's disease.
When we think about muscle, it's not just about movement and exercise; it's also our reservoir for amino acids. The more muscle you have, the stronger you are, enabling you to fend off disease and illness. When you contract your muscle, it secretes things called myokines, which are anti-inflammatory, acting as the antidote to inflammation - a common risk factor for nearly every chronic disease.
Sarcopenia: The Silent Epidemic
Sarcopenia is a term many people don't recognize, yet it's just as critical as obesity. It's the loss of muscle and represents the other side of the coin in terms of body composition. What's intriguing is that you could be the same weight at 25 or 65, but twice as fat and half as muscle. This is because your hormones, your biology, everything is regulated by your muscles. As we lose muscle, our cortisol levels rise, stress hormones increase, growth hormones and testosterone decrease, insulin levels rise, and blood sugar increases. But why isn't this something doctors evaluate or advise about? That's because everyone is focusing on the external issue, obesity, which is visible, while overlooking the solution – muscle.
The Power of Protein
In the midst of this, protein emerges as a crucial player. Yet, it's the black sheep of the macronutrient family, so neglected while the world debates about carbs and fats. Proteins are the building blocks of everything - skin, neurotransmitters, hormones. It's what life is made of, it's the baseline fundamentals. But not all proteins are created equal. Animal and plant proteins are vastly different; they contain different levels of amino acids, which impact your body differently.
Balancing Diet and Exercise
A balanced approach is needed to combat Sarcopenia and muscle loss. Dietary protein and resistance exercise stimulate muscle growth. As we age, we need far more protein than we initially thought. Plant proteins can be okay but are often inadequate to create muscle synthesis and grow muscle, especially as we age. Therefore, they might need to be supplemented.
Furthermore, let's not forget exercise. It's never too late or too early to implement an exercise routine. After all, the main reason people end up in nursing homes isn't because they're sick; it's because they can't get up out of a chair due to lack of muscle.
In conclusion, we need to start paying attention to muscle mass as it holds the key to our metabolic health. By adjusting our diet and incorporating exercise, we can fend off Sarcopenia and take steps towards a healthier future.
What do you think about this unseen epidemic? Have you considered the importance of muscle mass in your overall health? I encourage your thoughts and comments below.
