I’m an obesity doctor, the secret to longevity isn’t just about how big you are

A leading doctor claims obesity is not as big a health problem as people would have you believe.

Appears on the CEO’s diary podcast, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon said the most important thing people need to focus on right now is their skeletal muscles.

“Everyone is focusing on obesity, but obesity is not our problem,” she told host Steven Bartlett.

“If you’re in the bottom third of your strength, you have a 50% greater risk of dying from almost anything. You have to prioritize skeletal muscle.”

Skeletal muscles make up nearly 40% of a body’s total mass and are 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 right now is their skeletal muscle rather than their weight

“This is the organ of longevity, the only organ system you have voluntary control over,” Dr. Lyon said.

‘Your skeletal muscle is your main site for glucose metabolism and fatty acid metabolism. It’s your bulletproof vest,” she continued.

‘Those in the bottom third in terms of strength have a 50% greater risk of dying from almost anything.’

To combat this, Dr. Lyon said resistance training with weights is the key to good health and longevity.

If you don’t, you not only risk physical consequences such as mobility problems, but you also risk losing brain functionality.

“The majority of dementia cases are Alzheimer’s disease, which plays a role in metabolic regulation – type three diabetes in the brain,” she said.

“If your skeletal muscle is unhealthy, 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 is focusing on obesity, but obesity is not our problem,” Dr. Lyon told host Steven Bartlett

“If you’re in the bottom third of your strength, you have a 50% greater risk of dying from almost anything. You need to prioritize skeletal muscle,” Dr. Lyon explained

Research recently found that weight lifting is important for most adults, including older adults.

Resistance training was found to provide strength benefits that lasted years after retirement.

People naturally lose muscle function as they age, with faltering grip and leg strength seen as a strong predictor of death in the elderly.

Resistance training, which can use weights, body weight or resistance bands, has been shown to help prevent this.