Study Finds Strong Muscles May Protect Against Obesity-Related Organ Damage

Research involving over 93,000 UK participants shows stronger handgrip strength reduces obesity-related organ damage risks. Scientists tracked people with preclinical obesity for more than 13 years on average. Participants with higher muscle strength faced lower chances of heart, liver, or kidney damage from excess body fat and reduced early death risk. “Our findings show that muscle strength is a powerful, early sign of who is most at risk of developing obesity-induced organ dysfunctions among people with excess body fat,” said Dr. Yun Shen from Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Black people, women, and non-smokers showed the greatest benefits from increased muscle strength. Researchers believe muscle mass helps combat inflammation linked to excess fat. (Story URL)