Why your muscle mass matters more than BMI for long-term brain health

While strength training is traditionally celebrated for building muscle and boosting metabolism, new medical insights suggest it may be a key factor in how the brain ages.

On Friday Dr Kunal Sood, a specialist in Interventional Pain Medicine, shared research indicating that body composition—rather than just the number on the scale—plays a significant role in long-term neurological health.

The findings are based on a study of nearly 1,200 middle-aged adults, where AI models and MRI scans were used to determine "brain age."

The results revealed that individuals with higher muscle mass tended to have brains that appeared biologically younger than their actual chronological age.

Interestingly, muscle mass proved to be a stronger predictor of a "youthful" brain than either overall body weight or Body Mass Index (BMI).

Dr Sood explains that muscle is metabolically active, helping to regulate insulin sensitivity and reduce the chronic inflammation that can damage brain tissue over time.

Conversely, the study highlighted the dangers of visceral fat, the deep fat stored around internal organs.

While fat directly under the skin (subcutaneous) showed little impact, high levels of visceral fat were linked to brains that appeared biologically older.

Although Dr Sood cautions that building muscle doesn't yet "prove" an age-reversing effect, it suggests that shifting focus from the scale to strength training could be a modifiable way to protect cognitive function as we age.

Note to readers: The information in this article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any concerning health issues.