Science News

Could America Be Confronting a Muscle Crisis Instead of Obesity?



U.S. obesity prevalence has surged over the last decade, with 22 states reporting adult obesity rates at or above 35 percent, according to a 2023 JAMA article.

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, a physician specializing in muscle-centric medicine, offers a different perspective.

“We don’t have an obesity epidemic—what we really have is a midlife muscle crisis,” she said in a recent TED Talk.

Medications such as Ozempic promise significant weight loss but come with risks, particularly affecting lean mass, as highlighted in a 2021 clinical trial in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Dr. Peter Attia cautioned that lean mass loss poses health risks, especially for those with minimal weight to lose or sarcopenic obesity.

Lean mass loss isn’t exclusive to weight loss drugs; caloric restriction in any form leads to muscle loss, according to Dr. Abud Bakri.

Factors like protein intake, exercise, and hormonal balance influence muscle loss during weight management efforts, Dr. Bakri explained.

Dr. William Davis emphasized that muscle health is crucial in preventing weight regain after weight loss efforts.

Dr. Lyon stressed the importance of muscle in weight management due to its impact on metabolism, glucose regulation, and hormone balance.

The Ozempic Issue

Medications like Ozempic promise weight loss but can lead to lean mass loss, which may not be healthy, according to Dr. Attia.
Muscle aids weight management by enhancing metabolism, regulating glucose, and balancing hormones, supporting a healthier and more sustainable approach to weight loss.





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