The aging population, the impact of the pandemic, and the rising use of GLP-1 medications are driving a renewed focus on muscle health.

Research underscores the importance of muscle mass in overall health, with low muscle mass linked to adverse health outcomes, as highlighted by Dr. Carla Prado.

Peak muscle mass is typically achieved between the ages of 20 and 40, after which a decline can lead to conditions like sarcopenia and dynapenia.

Sarcopenia increases the risk of frailty, falls, and loss of independence in older adults, with rising frailty rates even among younger individuals.

Skeletal muscle comprises 30%-50% of body mass and plays critical metabolic roles, including glucose regulation and disease prevention.

Resistance training is more beneficial than cardiovascular exercise for overall health, positively impacting multiple organ systems and helping to prevent loss of physical independence.

Research shows that lighter weights can effectively build strength, and it's never too late for older adults to start resistance training, with significant gains possible even in their 70s and beyond.

Unfortunately, many older adults, including individuals like the author's mother, are not receiving adequate guidance from healthcare providers regarding resistance training and protein intake.

Healthcare professionals must prioritize muscle health assessments, using simple measures like grip strength as indicators of overall strength.

There are challenges in effectively monitoring muscle mass in clinical settings, with current methods proving inadequate for widespread application.

Resistance training enhances mitochondrial function, bone density, and inflammation regulation, which are crucial for aging adults and chronic disease prevention.

Low muscle mass is associated with shorter survival rates and increased complications in hospitalized and cancer patients, emphasizing the critical importance of muscle health during illness.