Tag

Muscle Mass

All articles tagged with #muscle mass

TOFA signals fat-burning in mice without muscle loss, hinting at a GLP-1 combo therapy
health19 days ago

TOFA signals fat-burning in mice without muscle loss, hinting at a GLP-1 combo therapy

A new experimental compound called TOFA increased energy expenditure by up to 18% in mice without reducing appetite or increasing activity, and it also blocks two enzymes involved in fat and cholesterol production. Unlike GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic/Wegovy/Zepbound), which can cause lean muscle loss during rapid weight loss, TOFA could enable fat loss while preserving muscle and might be used alongside GLP-1 therapies. The findings are early and limited to animals, with human trials not yet underway.

Finnish Study Links Coffee to Leaner Bodies and More Muscle
health22 days ago

Finnish Study Links Coffee to Leaner Bodies and More Muscle

A Finnish study of about 2,200 middle-aged adults found that heavier coffee drinkers tended to have less overall and abdominal fat and more skeletal muscle mass, with possible metabolic and hormonal differences, but the results are cross-sectional and show correlation rather than causation. The findings add to evidence that coffee is linked to various health benefits, including a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and better heart and liver health, though moderation is key and the impact may be confounded by other healthy habits and how coffee is prepared.

Ancient Neanderthal Variant Promotes Extra Muscle in Some Modern Humans
science1 month ago

Ancient Neanderthal Variant Promotes Extra Muscle in Some Modern Humans

A Neanderthal variant of the growth hormone receptor (GHR) in modern humans boosts growth hormone signaling, with cells showing ~40% faster growth after hormone exposure and carriers gaining about 270 g more muscle on average. The variant's frequency varies by population (rare in Europeans, higher in parts of South and East Asia; ~24% in a Pakistani cohort). The effect appears during puberty rather than birth, contributing to a stockier build but not fully explaining Neanderthal anatomy; nearby genetic differences may also influence the traits.

Ancient Neanderthal gene variant boosts muscle growth in a subset of people
science1 month ago

Ancient Neanderthal gene variant boosts muscle growth in a subset of people

A Cell study shows a Neanderthal variant of the growth hormone receptor entered the modern human gene pool about 47,000 years ago, boosting how cells respond to growth hormone. People with one copy may gain around 270 grams of extra muscle per copy, while two copies could add over 0.5 kg (about 1.2 pounds). The variant now appears in roughly 10% of people, with higher frequencies in Southern and Southeast Asian populations and little to none in those of African ancestry. It may also subtly affect jaw shape and tooth roots, and effects seem to emerge during puberty when growth hormone rises, indicating it's not the sole reason Neanderthals were robust but a piece of the puzzle.

Ancient Neanderthal Variant Still Shapes Muscles and Jaws in Modern Humans
anthropology1 month ago

Ancient Neanderthal Variant Still Shapes Muscles and Jaws in Modern Humans

A study comparing modern and Neanderthal genomes found a Neanderthal variant of the growth hormone receptor that enhances growth signaling and persists in non-African populations, especially in some South and East Asian groups where about 20% carry it. Carriers tend to be taller and heavier due to increased muscle mass, and exhibit Neanderthal-like jaw traits (shorter mandibular ramus, higher overbite, shorter tooth roots). Effects emerge around puberty, with lab experiments showing faster cell growth and stronger signaling in cells with the Neanderthal receptor. The variant is one of many factors influencing body shape and is not the sole determinant of the modern human physique.

Louisiana researchers probe how GLP-1 weight‑loss drugs reshape metabolism
health2 months ago

Louisiana researchers probe how GLP-1 weight‑loss drugs reshape metabolism

Louisiana researchers at Pennington Biomedical Center, led by Dr. Eric Ravussin, are studying how GLP-1 weight‑loss drugs affect metabolism and muscle mass, including resting metabolic rate and energy expenditure in a metabolic chamber to understand metabolic adaptation that can slow weight loss, while clinicians emphasize adequate protein and exercise to minimize muscle loss as these therapies evolve.

72-Year-Old Trainer’s Weekly Plan Proves Age Is No Barrier to Strength
health4 months ago

72-Year-Old Trainer’s Weekly Plan Proves Age Is No Barrier to Strength

Liz Hilliard, a 72-year-old STOTT-certified trainer and founder of the Hilliard Studio Method, outlines a weekly routine centered on heavy-resistance strength work and Pilates-inspired training to boost muscle mass and longevity, including four to five studio sessions, daily movement (walking/biking) and a Sunday rest, with a schedule that prioritizes full-body strength and social motivation through group classes and community.

GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs: Big Wins, Big Considerations for Bones and Muscles
health4 months ago

GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs: Big Wins, Big Considerations for Bones and Muscles

Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can drive rapid weight loss and ease knee pain, but an orthopedic surgeon cautions they may also reduce muscle mass and bone density, especially in postmenopausal or older adults. Patients should focus on adequate protein intake, resistance training, and regular lab work, and discuss bone health with their doctor to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach as long‑term risks are still being studied.

GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Mostly Shed Fat, Not Muscle, New Analysis Finds
health4 months ago

GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Mostly Shed Fat, Not Muscle, New Analysis Finds

A meta-analysis of 36 studies on GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP agonists for weight loss shows participants lose about 9% of body weight within 3 months, with significant reductions in visceral fat and fat mass by 12 months. Lean body mass loss is present but relatively modest, suggesting muscle loss may be less of a concern than once feared. Experts emphasize maintaining protein intake and engaging in resistance and aerobic exercise to preserve muscle during GLP-1 therapy.

GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs: Is Muscle Loss Inevitable?
health5 months ago

GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs: Is Muscle Loss Inevitable?

A Nature Reviews Endocrinology commentary reviews potential risks of GLP-1 receptor agonists used for obesity, noting concerns about accelerated muscle wasting and frailty in some patients; it explores mechanisms, aging-related vulnerability, and the need for biomarkers and careful monitoring, while acknowledging mixed evidence and the ongoing need for research to balance fat loss with muscle preservation.

Walking is a health foundation: boosts fat loss and brain health, with limited muscle gains
health6 months ago

Walking is a health foundation: boosts fat loss and brain health, with limited muscle gains

Walking is a foundational, low‑impact activity that increases energy use and supports brain health and stress reduction; it does not significantly add muscle size, though very low step counts can reduce muscle protein synthesis and leg lean mass, while pairing walking with resistance training helps maintain muscle. For fat loss, walking can contribute, especially when you increase pace, incline, or add load via rucking. Walking is best seen as Zone 2 cardio and a foundation for overall health, with bigger gains achieved by combining strength work, higher-intensity cardio, and flexibility work.

GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs: Muscle Loss Should Be Monitored, Not Feared
health6 months ago

GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs: Muscle Loss Should Be Monitored, Not Feared

Experts say GLP-1 obesity drugs can cause some lean-mass loss during weight reduction, but the exact extent and impact on function are unclear; most weight lost remains fat and, importantly, clinical trials show improved physical function. The emphasis is on maintaining strength via adequate protein and resistance training, while avoiding marketing hype around “muscle loss.” For older adults or those with limited mobility, careful planning is advised, but the overall health benefits of GLP-1 medications often outweigh the risks.

HIIT Could Help Seniors Trim Fat Without Losing Muscle
health7 months ago

HIIT Could Help Seniors Trim Fat Without Losing Muscle

Australian researchers followed over 120 healthy older adults (average age ~72) for six months and found that high‑intensity interval training (HIIT) reduced fat while preserving lean muscle mass, whereas moderate- and low‑intensity workouts also cut fat but were associated with small or unclear muscle loss. The findings suggest exercise intensity is key for aging body composition, though results apply to healthy individuals and HIIT may not suit everyone; medical or trainer guidance is advised before starting such a regimen.