A leading doctor says obesity is not as serious a health problem as people have been led to believe.
Appearing in the CEO’s Diary On the podcast, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon said the most important thing people need to focus on right now is their skeletal muscle.
“Everyone focuses on obesity, but obesity is not our problem,” he told host Steven Bartlett.
‘If you are in the bottom third of your strength, you have a 50% higher risk of dying from almost anything. We must prioritize skeletal muscle.”
Skeletal muscle makes up almost 40% of the total body mass and is responsible for movement, metabolism, energy, nutrient storage, and more.
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon (pictured) said on the Diary of a CEO podcast that the most important thing people need to focus on now is their skeletal muscle rather than their weight.
“This is the organ of longevity, the only organ system over which you have voluntary control,” Dr. Lyon shared.
‘Your skeletal muscle is your primary site for glucose metabolism and fatty acid metabolism. It’s your bulletproof vest,’ he continued.
“Those who are in the bottom third in terms of strength have a 50% greater risk of dying from almost anything.”
To combat this, Dr. Lyon said that weight resistance training is key to good health and longevity.
If you don’t, you not only risk physical effects like mobility problems, but you also risk losing brain functionality.
“The majority of dementias are Alzheimer’s dementia, which plays a role in metabolic regulation – type three cerebral diabetes,” he said.
“If your skeletal muscle is not healthy, you probably not only have insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle but also insulin resistance in the brain… You can’t be sedentary and be healthy.”
“Everyone focuses on obesity, but obesity is not our problem,” Dr. Lyon told host Steven Bartlett.
‘If you are in the bottom third of your strength, you have a 50% higher risk of dying from almost anything. You have to give priority to skeletal muscle,” explained Dr. Lyon.
Recent research has suggested that weight lifting is important for most adults, including the elderly.
Resistance training was found to have strength benefits that lasted years after retirement.
People naturally lose muscle function as they age and lack of grip and leg strength is considered a strong predictor of death in older people.
Resistance training, which can include dumbbells, body weight, or resistance bands, has been shown to help prevent this from happening.