Intramuscular fat could steal your life (Details inside)

There are many different types of fat in our bodies.

While the health consequences of excess visceral fat—the fat found deep within, stored around internal organs—are well known…

There’s a stealthier type of fat accumulation that increases your risk for Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, our nation’s top killer.

Let’s take a look…

When muscles turn fatty

I’m talking about intramuscular fat—or when excess fat gets stored in your skeletal muscles.

While intramuscular fat in high-quality meat might taste good, it’s not particularly good for us to have. (How many of you look for marbling in your meats? This is the type of fat we’re talking about.)

Unfortunately, this type of fat is rarely discussed. Meaning few are aware it exists, let alone the health consequences of having it…

Like how it’s associated with a whole range of life-threatening diseases.

See, when muscle mass is continuously lost, it’s replaced by fat and connective tissue.

And patients with certain chronic diseases—such as sarcopenia, hormonal disorders, metabolic disease (like Type 2 diabetes), and heart conditions (like hypertension and heart failure)—are more likely to have intramuscular fat.

Why? Because many of those conditions signal lifestyle issues.

See, if you’re following a poor diet and remaining sedentary, you aren’t providing your body with the nutrients or movement it needs to build or maintain muscle mass.

When that occurs chronically, well, there’s no place left for the body to store fat. So, it gets stored in your muscles.

Simple takeaway advice

Our skeletal muscles are necessary for maintaining mobility—and doing simple tasks such as standing, walking, and lifting.

Plus, they are metabolically active (which means our diets directly influence their mass).

Not to mention, our bodies host fibro-adipogenic cells in these muscles. These cells can turn into fat or connective tissue—and help aid in muscle retention and repair. It all depends on what you’re doing to your body. (The less physically active you are, for example, the higher the likelihood they turn into fat.)

So, what does all of this mean for you?

While the science behind this can be complex, my takeaway advice is simple: Keep a close eye on your weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Excessive intramuscular fat can be prevented (or even reversed) through adequate exercise and a healthy, balanced diet.

I know I talk about exercise a lot, but I’m hoping that this is another shining example of how important it is to make a healthy commitment.

As always, start slow and work your way up. I like to encourage you to move your body for at least 30 minutes each day. But anything is better than nothing… and every little bit counts. (Even walking!)

As for diet? Opt for whole foods—like grass-fed and -finished meat, organic poultry, seasonal produce, and healthy fats from sources like avocado, nuts, and eggs. To access dozens of healthy recipes, order yourself a copy of my A-List Diet book. Click here!

Source:

“Dangers of Intramuscular Fat Tissue Are Often Underestimated.” Medscape, 07/24/2024. (medscape.com/viewarticle/dangers-intramuscular-fat-tissue-are-often-underestimated-2024a1000dl0)