Khaberni - A scientific study revealed that the accumulation of fat in the waist area, accompanied by a decline in muscle mass, significantly increases the risk of death for people over fifty.
The study lasted about 14 years, during which researchers tried to identify the main causes that increase the risk of death as age progresses, and they analyzed the medical data of more than 5400 participants in the study.
The scientists focused on two simple indicators used during clinical examinations, namely waist circumference and muscle mass index. The results showed that a person suffering from both muscle atrophy and high fat rates at the same time is 83% more likely to die compared to those who do not suffer from obesity or lack of muscle mass.
The researchers also noted that the impact of each factor alone was less severe; abdominal obesity alone was not associated with a significant increase in the risk of death, while the lack of muscle mass alone raised the risk rate by about 40%.
Based on the results they reached, the researchers believe that exercising and maintaining physical fitness are some of the best ways to stay healthy and reduce the risk of death as one ages. Exercise helps burn accumulated fat in the body and at the same time preserves muscle mass, in addition to its positive impact on heart and arterial health.
