"The Power of Muscle: Why Building Lean Mass is Key to a Healthy Life"

The current health care system's lack of focus on building muscle composition in patients can contribute to the development of various chronic diseases and negatively impact overall health. Our current system has and continues to be focused on disease management and treatment, rather than promoting preventative measures such as building and/or maintaining muscle composition. Building muscle composition is one of the most important factor in maintaining a healthy weight, losing weight, and staying healthy overall. Below we will discuss why building muscle composition is so crucial to our overall health and available steps to achieve results.

Understanding the role of muscle in the body is critical. Muscle tissue is an active tissue, meaning it burns calories even when we are at rest. In fact, muscle tissue burns exponentially more calories than fat tissue, which is why having a higher percentage of muscle mass in our bodies is so beneficial. The more muscle we have, the more calories we burn, even when we are not actively working out. This helps prevent weight gain and helps maintain a healthy weight.

In addition to helping with weight maintenance, building muscle composition is important for weight loss. When we work to build muscle, our bodies are also burning fat, which helps us lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way. This is because building muscle is a form of resistance training, which has been shown to be highly effective in helping people lose weight and body fat.

Building muscle also has a number of other health benefits. For example, it has been shown to improve heart health, boost the immune system, increase bone density, and improve mental health. All of these factors contribute to a more overall healthy and active lifestyle.

It is important to note that building muscle does not necessarily mean becoming a bodybuilder or having a highly toned physique. Rather, it means focusing on resistance training exercises that help to build and maintain muscle mass. This can be done through weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, or even resistance band training.

There are several important factors to consider when building healthy muscle composition, which include:

1. Nutrition: A balanced and nutritious diet is the foundation of building healthy muscle composition. It is important to consume an adequate amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. In addition, adequate hydration is also important for optimal muscle function and recovery.
2. Resistance Training: Resistance training, such as weightlifting and bodyweight exercises, is the most effective way to build muscle. This type of exercise promotes the development of muscle tissue and increases muscle strength, which can help to improve overall body composition.
3. Frequency of Training: Consistency is key when building muscle composition. It is important to engage in resistance training on a regular basis, typically 2-3 times per week, to continuously challenge the muscles and promote growth.
4. Intensity of Training: The intensity of resistance training is also an important factor in building muscle composition. It is important to choose exercises that challenge the muscles to the point of fatigue and perform them in a controlled and safe manner.
5. Progressive Overload: To continue making progress in building muscle composition, it is important to gradually increase the intensity and difficulty of the resistance training exercises over time. This is known as progressive overload and is critical for promoting muscle growth.
6. Rest and Recovery: Adequate rest and recovery are essential for building healthy muscle composition. After engaging in resistance training, it is important to allow the muscles time to recover and repair, which can be facilitated through proper nutrition, hydration, and rest.
7. Stress Management: Chronic stress can have a negative impact on muscle composition by inhibiting muscle growth and increasing the risk of injury. It is important to engage in stress management activities, such as mindfulness and exercise, to promote optimal muscle function and health.
8. Sleep: Getting adequate sleep is also important for building healthy muscle composition. During sleep, the body is able to repair and rebuild muscle tissue, which can help to promote growth and improve overall muscle function.

In addition to the items listed above there are various medical treatments that can help you build healthy muscle composition, including both traditional and non-traditional methods. When considering these options, it is important for health care providers to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of each treatment, and to consider the individual needs and goals of each patient.  Treatment consideration for medical treatment options should be based on the fundamentals and desired benefits which include:

1. Increased Muscle Mass: Medical treatment options can help build and increase muscle mass, which can lead to improved physical appearance and a higher metabolism.
2. Improved Physical Function: Building muscle can improve physical function, making it easier for patients to perform daily activities, such as lifting heavy objects or walking up stairs.
3. Reduced Risk of Injury: Building muscle can help reduce the risk of injury, as stronger muscles can better support the body and protect joints.
4. Improved Body Composition: Building muscle can improve body composition by reducing body fat and increasing lean muscle mass, leading to a healthier weight and better overall health.
5. Reduced Symptoms of Chronic Diseases: Building muscle composition in patients with chronic diseases, such as sarcopenia or cachexia, can reduce symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
6. Enhanced Physical Performance: Building muscle can enhance physical performance, allowing patients to perform better in sports and other physical activities.
7. Improved Mental Health: Building muscle can also have a positive impact on mental health, as it can increase confidence and self-esteem, and reduce stress and anxiety.

Health professionals have an ethical responsibility to promote and recommend treatment options to patients that are safe, effective, and based on the latest scientific evidence. Building lean muscle mass is without doubt important for overall health, as it can improve physical function, prevent the decline of muscle mass associated with aging, and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. There are numerous medical treatments available for supporting the building lean muscle, including:

1. Supplements Dietary supplements can also play a role in building muscle. Creatine, for example, is a popular supplement that can help increase strength and power during resistance training. Protein supplements, such as whey protein, can also be useful for building muscle, as they provide the body with the necessary building blocks for muscle growth. Branch chain amino acids can also be considered.
2. Growth hormone peptides are largely unheard-of medical treatment option to help people build lean muscle. Growth hormone peptides are synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of naturally-occurring growth hormone in the body. They are designed to increase natural levels of growth hormone, which is important for various physiological processes, including the growth and maintenance of muscle tissue.
3. Anabolic Steroids Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that mimic the effects of testosterone in the body. These drugs have been used for many years to build muscle, increase strength, and enhance athletic performance. However, it is important to note that anabolic steroids can have serious side effects, including hormonal imbalances, liver damage, and an increased risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
4. Hormone Replacement Therapy can also play a role in building muscle. Testosterone, for example, is a hormone that is critical for muscle growth and strength. Men and women with low testosterone levels can benefit from testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to help build muscle mass and strength.
5. Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) is a non-surgical medical treatment that uses the patient's own blood to promote healing and tissue regeneration. This treatment involves taking a sample of the patient's blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then re-injecting it into the affected area. PRP has been shown to be effective in promoting muscle healing and growth, making it a useful option for those looking to build muscle.
6. Stem Cell Therapy is another non-surgical treatment option for building muscle. This therapy involves the injection of stem cells into the affected area, where they can then differentiate into various types of cells, including muscle cells. Stem cell therapy has been shown to be effective in promoting muscle healing and growth, making it a useful option for those looking to build muscle.

In some cases, promoting medical treatments to build muscle may be medically appropriate, such as in patients with age-related muscle loss, or in patients who have lost muscle mass due to injury or illness. In other cases, non-medical approaches, such as lifestyle modifications, diet, and exercise, may be more appropriate.

Taking everything into account, health care professionals and patients should work together to help build muscle composition for overall improved health as having adequate muscle mass is important for maintaining a healthy weight, improving bone density, increasing metabolism, and improving overall physical function. Building muscle also has so many positive effects to include: improve mental health and decrease risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Working with a health care provider to build muscle mass through a combination of strength training exercises healthy eating plans, and medical treatment options can lead to long-term health benefits and an improved quality of life.

Author

David J. Bauder, PA-C David Bauder, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant and the assistant medical director at Weight Loss and Vitality in Manassas and Alexandria, Virginia, Washington, DC; and Gaithersburg, MD. He enjoys helping patients optimize their physical and mental health to improve their overall well-being. He earned his physician assistant degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Afterward, he gained admission into the reputable graduate program for physician assistant studies at the University of Nebraska Health Science Center in Omaha. David has over 26 years of experience working as a physician assistant. He’s practiced in podiatry, family medicine, emergency medicine, general surgery, urgent care, and functional medicine.