New York: Muscle is finally earning recognition in the broader health conversation, thanks to a combination of factors reshaping modern medicine: an ageing global population, the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.
Despite the increasing scientific focus on the importance of muscle mass, especially for ageing adults, patient awareness remains low. For example, despite being attentive and informed, one 65-year-old woman recently admitted that her doctor had never discussed resistance training or dietary protein intake with her.
Experts now emphasize that muscles should be treated not just as a matter of strength or appearance but as a vital metabolic and functional organ. “Muscle depletion is an independent predictor of poor health outcomes,” says Dr. Carla Prado, director of the Human Nutrition Research Unit at the University of Alberta.
Low muscle mass, or sarcopenia, has been linked to increased risks of falls, metabolic disorders, and even early mortality.
The terms “muscle span” and “strength span” are gaining traction in clinical discussions and wellness circles. Still, adherence to strength training remains a challenge, especially among older or sedentary individuals.
While science supports the protective effects of maintaining muscle through resistance training and adequate protein intake, motivating patients to act on this knowledge is still a hurdle. Experts stress that healthcare providers must play a larger role in counselling patients on the critical value of muscle health throughout life.
