Last week, we discussed an overlooked factor in health—muscle quality. We explored how myosteatosis (fat infiltration in muscle) affects metabolic health, cardiovascular risk, and physical function.
If you missed it, here’s a quick recap: muscle quality matters just as much as quantity, and improving it can help prevent disease and disability.
This week, we’re taking it a step further: muscle isn’t just about strength or mobility—it’s a critical factor in your ability to survive illness.
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon explains why healthy skeletal muscle mass plays a direct role in disease resilience—from cancer to chronic illness.
Key Takeaways from Dr. Lyon’s Insight:
✅ More Muscle = Greater Survival – Research shows that individuals with higher skeletal muscle mass have better odds of surviving nearly any disease.
✅ Cancer & Muscle Loss – 20% of cancer patients don’t die from cancer itself, but from muscle-wasting (cachexia). Maintaining muscle may be key to improving survival outcomes.
✅ Muscle as a Metabolic Shield – Beyond strength, muscle regulates metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and immune function, helping protect against diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and even neurodegeneration.
What Can You Do?
If muscle is critical for survival, how can you build and maintain it?
🏋️ Strength Training: Incorporate resistance exercises (squats, push-ups, weightlifting) to stimulate muscle growth.
🥩 Prioritize Protein: Your muscles need high-quality protein to stay strong and resilient.
🏃 Stay Active: Use it or lose it. The more you move, the better your muscle health and disease resilience.
Your muscle is your body’s armor. Are you protecting it?
Recommended Products:
PEScience Select Protein
Select Protein is a premium blend of whey and casein protein, perfectly flavored to taste true to each flavor’s name, leaving you craving more every day. Select is third-party tested for quality and purity. This low-carb, gluten-free formula uses milk protein isolate as its #1 ingredient, rarely used in protein powders due to its high cost. Milk protein isolate is very low in lactose giving Select Protein great digestion.
David Bars
28g of protein and only 150 calories. This is 75% CFP (CFP = Calories from Protein / Total Calories). A diversity of protein sources comes together for a perfect 1.0 protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS), meaning this protein is the best amino acid profile for both muscle building and optimal bodily functioning (including skin, hair, and nail health).
Inbody Body Composition Manager
Our inbody scale is available at ALL locations. This tool is used to maximize your results by tracking your body composition. You’ll receive a print off of your results immediately and you have the option to keep them confidential or share with our trained staff to help you understand the numbers and how to improve them. Our knowledgeable staff is trained to recommend any necessary dietary, supplement, or exercise changes. This is available to all customers free of charge. We recommend getting a scan once a month to keep track of your progress, and what is working for your body.
