Muscle Is the Key to Longevity (Not Fat Loss) | Dr Gabrielle Lyon
Stop focusing on the scale—you might be "skinny fat" and destroying your metabolism from the inside out. Dr. Gabrielle Lyon reveals why muscle is the "organ of longevity" and explains the exact protein threshold you’re likely missing to stay sharp and resilient as you age
While most doctors focus on body fat, this conversation shifts the center of gravity to skeletal muscle health plus the impact of nutrition on gut health and mental health for a holistic approach to health care for your brain.
On this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, I’m joined by my longtime friend and colleague Dr. Gabrielle Lyon to explore why muscle may be one of the most overlooked drivers of long-term health. We focus on practical, accessible ways to build strength as you age, and why muscle plays a much bigger role in your health than most people realize.
We explore:
• How strength training supports your blood sugar and metabolic health, beyond what the scale can show
• Why muscle quality—not weight—is a stronger predictor of long-term health
• How building strength helps you stay mobile, capable, and resilient as you age
• What most people miss about protein and muscle health
Aging well is something you can actively support, starting with how you care for your body today. And strength is one of the most powerful places you can begin.
View Show Notes From This Episode
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(0:00) The Under-Muscled Hypothesis and Muscle Quality
(1:00) Introduction of Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and the Factors Affecting Protein Needs
(1:25) Call to subscribe and Career Reflections
(2:06) Personal Experience with Strength Training and Muscle's Role in Health
(7:19) Functional vs. Dysfunctional Muscle and Glucose Regulation
(11:08) Intramuscular Adipose Tissue and Future Muscle Quality Assessment
(13:39) Resistance Training and Metabolic Health
(19:41) Muscle, Metabolic Dysfunctions, and Hormonal Functions
(23:08) Muscle-Centric Medicine, Myokines, and Muscle Loss Recovery
(27:12) Practical Strategies for Strength Training and Muscle Longevity
(35:00) Dietary Guidelines, Protein Intake, and Resistance Training
(42:15) Protein Recommendations and Understanding Nitrogen Balance
(45:06) Dr. Hyman's Office Hours and Optimal Protein Intake
(50:09) Protein Needs by Age, Activity Level, and Meal Examples
(1:01:04) Metabolic Flexibility, Creatine, and Urolithin A's Benefits
(1:06:22) Mitochondrial Health, Chronic Illness, and GLP-1 Drugs
(1:11:07) Top Longevity Practices and Quickfire Questions
(1:19:39) Closing Remarks and Further Information
#DrMarkHyman #DrGabrielleLyon #MuscleHealth #Metabolism #Longevity #Protein #StrengthTraining #Biohacking #SkinnyFat #HealthTips #Sarcopenia #HealthyAging
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Dr. Mark Hyman Muscle Centric Medicine