Low Bone Density: Less Muscle, Higher Risk of Death
Graded Preliminary — an analysis of existing survey data on 3,918 adults followed for nearly 15 years; it shows links but cannot prove cause and effect.
- Design
- Retrospective cohort study
- Participants
- 3,918
- Duration
- 14.8 years
- Funding
- —
Adults with osteoporosis or its early stage who had little muscle in their arms and legs died more often over about 15 years.
Among adults with thinning bones, muscle seemed to matter for survival. People with little muscle in their arms and legs had a 59 percent higher risk of dying. A high body fat percentage on its own showed no clear link with the risk of death.
The researchers used data from a large US national health survey. It covered 3,918 adults with osteoporosis or its milder early stage. A whole-body X-ray scan had measured fat and lean mass, which is mostly muscle. Over a median of 14.8 years, 1,095 of them died. Low muscle without much fat was linked to a 70 percent higher risk, and low muscle plus high fat to a 45 percent higher risk. For total fat, people in the middle range had a risk about 30 percent lower than those with the least fat.
The authors conclude that doctors should assess muscle, not only bone density, when judging risk. Whether building muscle helps people with thinning bones live longer cannot be read from this: the data only show who died more often.
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.