Lean Muscle and Bone Health

Researchers have found that the amount of lean muscle you have strongly correlates with your bone density.

In a study published in the July issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, researchers reported that the more lean muscle a man had, the better his bone density.  Conversely, the more body fat a man had, the weaker his bones tended to be.

We know that maintaining lean muscle mass is important for a number of reasons.   Muscle  functions differently than fat, and is crucial for proper immune function and metabolism.

Lean muscle loss is also associated with other health issues, like osteoporosis. Studies like this one affirm just how important lean muscle mass is for bone health.

So how does your muscle measure up?

 

While using the body mass index can give a general idea of norms for weight and height, its simplified calculations of muscle and bone mass can create an inaccurate picture of actual body composition.  For example, someone with a good deal of healthy muscle mass and  low body fat could be inappropriately categorized as overweight.

If you are serious about building muscle and maintaining a healthy body composition, you may want to have your lean muscle measured.

Check out CNN's article describing some of your options for doing this.  Your gym may offer offer a body fat reading using calipers, for example. 

The most accurate method is a low-dose x-ray procedure known as a Dexa Scan - something to ask your doctor about!  While these scans require more time and money than a caliper reading, they can measure bone mass and lean muscle mass quite reliably.