Whole-Body MRI: Less Muscle Linked to Higher Risk of Death
Graded Preliminary — a large look back at existing MRI data from over 66,000 people; it shows who is at higher risk, but not what causes that risk.
- Design
- Retrospective cohort study
- Participants
- 66,608
- Duration
- —
- Funding
- US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH)
People with less muscle than peers of the same age, sex and height had a 44 percent higher risk of death.
People who had less muscle than others of the same age, sex and height died more often. Their risk of death was 44 percent higher than for people in the middle range. A lot of fat deep in the belly, around the organs, came with more than double the risk of diabetes. And a lot of fat tucked between muscle fibers went along with a 54 percent higher risk of serious heart and circulation events.
The researchers used whole-body MRI scans from 66,608 adults in the UK Biobank and in NAKO, a large German health study. On average, participants were nearly 58. A computer program using artificial intelligence automatically measured fat under the skin, belly fat, muscle and fat inside muscle. From this, the team built reference curves that compare each person with peers of the same age, sex and height. Disease risk was tracked in the UK Biobank group.
These scores predicted illness and death even after classic risk factors were taken into account. A free online calculator for the reference values is available. The study only observed people, so it cannot say whether building muscle or losing belly fat would actually lower anyone's risk.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.