Health

Weight lifting over 30 essential to reduce diabetes and heart disease risks, warns US doctor

Thursday, 15 May 2025 12:06AM UTC

Dr Myro Figura highlights the critical role of muscle strength in improving insulin sensitivity and lowering the growing threat of type 2 diabetes and heart disease among those aged 30 and above, urging a shift towards strength training beyond aesthetics.

In an era where health awareness is on the rise, the alarm has been sounded by health professionals regarding the importance of muscle strength, particularly as individuals hit the age of 30. Dr. Myro Figura, a US-based anesthesiologist, has garnered significant attention for his assertion that weight lifting should become a priority for anyone over 30 to combat the increasing risk of cardiovascular disease. His emphasis lies not just on physical appearance but on the underlying physiological changes that occur with age.

Dr. Figura shared a compelling example in a viral video that has reached over 250,000 viewers, where he highlights a woman diagnosed with pre-diabetes despite maintaining a slim physique. This situation underscores a critical message: body shape alone does not determine health risks. Dr. Figura pointed out that beginning at around age 30, muscle mass decreases, adversely affecting the body's insulin sensitivity. The hormone insulin plays a vital role in converting sugars from our diet into energy, and diminished sensitivity can lead to significant health issues, including type 2 diabetes, which substantially raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Prediabetes, which affects around one in ten adults in the UK, may lead to dire health consequences if left unchecked. Dr. Figura noted critical studies demonstrating that a lack of muscle mass significantly increases the risk of developing diabetes. Research indicates that muscle is responsible for roughly 80 per cent of glucose metabolism, and as overall muscle mass diminishes, the likelihood of health complications escalates.

Evidence supporting the benefits of strength training is mounting. A study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise revealed that women who engaged in strength training had a 30% lower risk of type 2 diabetes and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. This aligns with findings from a 2024 study that indicated lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, could reduce mortality risks in individuals diagnosed with prediabetes by 26%. Over a 30-year follow-up, participants who maintained a non-diabetic status displayed a markedly lower likelihood of serious health events.

Moreover, the relationship between prediabetes and muscle function cannot be overlooked. As outlined in several reviews, the presence of prediabetes correlates with diminished muscle strength, attributed to factors such as insulin resistance and elevated inflammatory markers. This degradation of muscle function compounds the challenges faced by individuals who struggle with elevated blood sugar levels. The potential for skeletal muscle impairment in prediabetes serves as a pressing reminder of the critical interplay between muscle health and metabolic conditions.

As high blood sugar levels persist, they can wreak havoc not only on individual wellbeing but also on cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association has illustrated how prolonged hyperglycaemia damages blood vessels and nerves, creating an inflammatory environment that exacerbates heart disease risk. Thus, the implications of managing diabetes—utilising diet, medication, and exercise—become even more pressing.

The broader health implications are stark: 5.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, with the majority suffering from type 2 diabetes. Alarmingly, many remain unaware of their condition, highlighting the urgency for proactive health monitoring and lifestyle changes. Those diagnosed face ongoing challenges, including dietary adjustments and regular medical check-ups to prevent complications such as heart disease.

Ultimately, Dr. Figura’s advocacy for weight lifting is not an isolated claim but rather part of a growing consensus among health experts regarding the significance of muscular strength. Incorporating strength training into one’s routine can mitigate health risks, enhance metabolic function, and promote longevity—vital factors as society navigates an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, particularly in the wake of recent global health crises.

As we approach the second half of life, the call to action is clear—prioritising muscle health is not merely about aesthetics; it is a cornerstone of maintaining overall health and wellbeing, particularly as the risk of chronic illnesses looms larger.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14707879/Doctor-reveals-health-hack-help-live-100.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://time.com/4618826/strength-training-fitness-workout/ - This article emphasizes the importance of strength training for women, highlighting that while aerobic exercises are commonly promoted, strength training offers significant health benefits. A study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that women who engaged in strength training had a 30% lower risk of type-2 diabetes and a 17% lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who did not participate in such activities. The piece advocates for incorporating both aerobic and strength training exercises to maximize health benefits.
https://time.com/6199082/diabetes-heart-disease-reducing-risk/ - This article discusses the heightened risk of heart disease among individuals with diabetes, attributing it to factors like blood vessel and nerve damage caused by elevated glucose levels. It explains that high blood sugar creates an inflammatory environment that contributes to heart disease. The piece outlines strategies to reduce these risks, including managing diabetes through controlling A1C levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, and quitting smoking. It also emphasizes the role of new medications, diet, and exercise in managing diabetes and preventing heart disease.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9403882/ - This narrative review examines the relationship between muscular strength and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. It highlights that low handgrip strength is inversely associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, independent of traditional risk factors. The review also discusses how resistance training can reduce overall mortality and CVD incidence, emphasizing the importance of muscle strength in cardiovascular health. It suggests that improving muscular strength may attenuate the risk of death due to acute stressful events and chronic diseases.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10778616/ - This literature review explores the effects of prediabetes on skeletal muscle function and its potential links with diabetes. It indicates that prediabetes is associated with reduced muscle strength, attributed to insulin resistance, elevated inflammatory cytokines, and advanced glycosylation end products. The review suggests that impaired insulin action in prediabetes contributes to dysregulated protein synthesis, leading to decreased muscle mass and strength. It also notes that hyperglycemia in prediabetes results in the accumulation of advanced glycosylation end products in skeletal muscle, further impairing muscle function.
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/diabetes/diabetes-complications-and-risks/cardiovascular-disease--diabetes/ - This article from the American Heart Association outlines how diabetes affects heart health. It explains that over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves controlling the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease. The piece discusses various risk factors, including poorly controlled blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. It emphasizes the importance of managing these factors to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with diabetes.
https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Press-Office/Press-releases/fatty-muscles-raise-the-risk-of-serious-heart-disease-regardless-of-overall-body - This press release from the European Society of Cardiology reports on research linking higher amounts of fat stored in muscles to an increased risk of heart disease. The study found that for every 1% increase in fatty muscle fraction, there was a 2% increase in the risk of coronary microvascular dysfunction and a 7% increased risk of future serious heart disease, regardless of other known risk factors and body mass index. The release highlights the significance of muscle fat in cardiovascular health.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative references recent health awareness and global health crises, but it does not provide specific dates or events that could be easily verified as recent. There is also no clear indication of being a press release, which might have otherwise increased the freshness score.

Quotes check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative does not include direct quotes from specific individuals, but it does reference Dr. Myro Figura's assertions. Without specific quotes, it is difficult to verify the original source of the information.

Source reliability

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, which is generally considered a reputable source but may sometimes lack depth in reporting. The information is not from a traditionally authoritative medical or scientific publication.

Plausability check

Score: 9

Notes: The claims about muscle strength and its impact on health are consistent with scientific understanding. The narrative references studies and data from reputable sources, such as the American Heart Association, which support the importance of muscle health in preventing chronic diseases like diabetes.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative is generally plausible and aligns with established health advice. However, the lack of specific dates or events reduces the freshness score, and the source, while reputable, is not a peer-reviewed medical journal. The absence of direct quotes also limits the quotes check.

Muscle health
Prediabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Weight training
Public health