Older People Should Focus Less On Weight, Body Mass, More On Building Muscle

New U.S research confirms that building muscle mass, especially as we age, is important in decreasing metabolic risk. The study analyzed data collected between 1988 and 1994 on 3,659 men 55 or older and women 65 or older. Measuring body composition and associating it with death rates, they found that the greater the muscle mass, the lower the risk of death. In other words, people should be worried less about weight and body mass index and more about maximizing and maintaining muscle mass.  The researchers advise physicians to keep these findings in mind when counseling older adults about behavior that might improve health.