Muscle and metabolism are tightly linked, forming a foundation for longevity. Skeletal muscle is the body’s largest site of glucose uptake and metabolism, meaning it helps regulate blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, and energy expenditure. As we age, muscle mass and strength naturally decline, a process called sarcopenia, which slows metabolism and can lead to metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
Muscle mass and muscle strength play a crucial role in longevity, especially as people age. Large-scale US studies have shown that higher muscle mass is associated with lower all-cause mortality among older adults. In a major analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), older adults with greater muscle mass relative to their height had significantly lower risk of death over a 10–16 year follow up—independent of cardiovascular risks, blood sugar control, and body weight.