Why Muscle is the Organ of Longevity

Summary

Dr Gabrielle Lyon, founder of muscle-centric medicine, argues that skeletal muscle is the primary organ of longevity and metabolic health. She covers the evidence for protein intake, resistance training, and why the focus on fat loss is misplaced — the real target is muscle gain.

Key Takeaways

• 1

  Skeletal muscle is the largest metabolic organ — it drives glucose disposal, immune function, and longevity

• 2

  Protein requirements are significantly higher than RDA: 1.6–2.2g/kg/day for active adults

• 3

  First-meal protein (≥40g) is critical for setting muscle protein synthesis for the day

• 4

  Sarcopenia (muscle loss with age) is a stronger predictor of mortality than obesity

• 5

  Resistance training is the most potent intervention for preserving muscle mass after 40

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