Three distinct muscle roles — metabolic control, vascular support and strength — are central to longevity, Gabrielle Lyon said, arguing skeletal muscle should be treated as a vital organ system rather than a cosmetic goal.
Muscle is the body’s main site for glucose disposal, she said, so inactivity or fat infiltration can weaken blood-sugar control and help drive insulin resistance and broader metabolic dysfunction.
That same tissue also supports circulation and cardiovascular resilience, while greater mass and strength preserve mobility, balance, bone density and independence with age.
Lyon said aesthetics-focused training misses two-thirds of muscle’s benefits, urging resistance training at least 2 days a week, regular movement and enough high-quality protein.