When it comes to muscle health, resemble a sirloin -- not a ribeye
A 2000 study found that 32% to 44% of men's body weight is made up of muscle. For women, it goes from 27% to 33%. But whatever your percentage of muscle mass, you want to make sure it doesn't resemble a well-marbled ribeye. That indicates that it's suffering from what researchers call muscle fat infiltration, or MFI.
Researchers at the University of California San Francisco looked at 615 men and women, with an average age of 60, who got 28% to 44% of their nutrition (or lack of it) from ultra-processed foods. Using MRIs, they discovered that folks downing UPFs had large streaks of fat crammed in between their thigh muscles -- and that over the course of 10 years, folks with the largest amount of MFI were at the greatest risk for knee osteoarthritis. (Chances are those kinds of unhealthy fat deposits can up the risk to other joints, as well.)
Most interesting, it didn't matter if the folks were obese or overweight or how many calories they ate; it was the amount of UPFs they consumed that upped their risk of poor muscle health and knee osteoarthritis.
Once again, the headline is "Don't eat ultra-processed foods." You've heard it a million times and yet ... there are still sugary drinks, processed meats, packaged snack foods, and powdered smoothie mixes in your fridge and pantry. I want to help you ditch that habit and embrace a happier, healthier, longer life. So, join me in the AI-coaching programs targeting nutrition and stress reduction at 4YOUngevity.com. You'll enjoy this ultra-fun process!
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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