Macro partitioning
Intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) is a strong predictor of mobility and muscle function in older adults, and its accumulation is reversible with physical activity and weight loss.
Focus on reducing fat infiltration into your muscles, not just overall body fat. Regular aerobic exercise and weight loss can decrease IMAT, which is strongly linked to better mobility and strength in older adults. This is a key target for maintaining independence.
In older adults with a variety of comorbidities, IMAT assessed by MRI was reported as the strongest predictor of mobility in older individuals
Why this rating
Supported by multiple studies including MRI assessments and intervention trials.
Source
It is not just muscle mass: a review of muscle quality, composition and metabolism during ageing as determinants of muscle function and mobility in later life
Robin A. McGregor et al. · Longevity & Healthspan · 2014
DOI 10.1186/2046-2395-3-9
More from this paper
- Muscle quality factors (composition, metabolism, fat infiltration, fibrosis, neural activation) are critical determinants of mobility and function in older adults, often preceding or occurring independently of muscle mass loss.Good
- Lifestyle interventions, particularly resistance and aerobic exercise in mid-life, can preserve muscle quality and function, potentially delaying or preventing mobility decline in old age.Good
Related findings · Macro partitioning
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- Trans fats should be completely eliminated from the diet, as they increase LDL cholesterol, decrease HDL cholesterol, and are directly associated with increased coronary risk.Strong
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