Facial muscle that predicts risk of premature death, according to study
A healthy lifestyle is the key, among other things, to avoid illness and prevent premature death. The signals our body gives us also help us become aware of the risks of conditions or pathologies and dangers to our health, and as science advances, various studies are being conducted that predict ways to prevent or signs to be on the lookout for. Thus, a particular muscle will be associated with accelerated muscle loss and therefore a risk of premature death.
According to a study conducted by researchers from Juntendo University in Japan, this will masseter muscle. The study analyzed its association with sarcopenia in adults over 65 years of age. Likewise, various influential factors such as body mass index (BMI), lifestyle factors, activity level or dietary intake have been studied.
The masseter muscle is located in the lateral region of the jaw and one of the main muscles of the face. It is one of the strongest muscles in the human body and is critical for activities such as chewing. It is particularly effective especially when the teeth are tightly closed, but can cause problems such as bruxism (due to excessive tension) or myofascial pain. In some people, it can also become hypertrophied due to habits such as excessive chewing of gum, which gives the face a more square appearance.
The results suggest determinants other than the volume of the masticatory muscles and the mass of the skeletal muscles of the limbs, and their effect on muscle mass varies. In a report published by a Japanese university, Dr. Saori Kakehi explained the findings.
“Our results showed that in men with the smallest volume of masticatory muscles, the risk of sarcopenia increased by 6.6 times.while women faced a 2.2 times higher risk compared to those with the highest masticatory muscle volume.”
What is the connection between the masticatory muscle and sarcopenia and premature death: here are the risks
Thus, the scientist explains that the study provides “a new method for the early diagnosis of sarcopenia by measuring MMV using magnetic resonance.” “Preventing sarcopenia is critical to extending healthy life expectancy and reducing medical costs.”
Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by progressive and widespread loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical function. This usually occurs with age, although it can occur in many people, especially after the age of 30–40 when the body begins to lose muscle mass.
Among the defining characteristics, in addition to loss of muscle mass, will be a decrease in strength and functional impact, mainly caused by physical inactivity, nutritional deficiencies or other chronic diseases.
It’s about a syndrome that not only affects quality of life but is also associated with an increased risk of mortality. Harvard University explains, citing a report from the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, that People with sarcopenia were 2.3 times more likely to suffer a minor fracture from a fall, such as a broken hip, collarbone, leg, arm or wrist. In turn, the institution explains that loss of muscle mass not only leads to the above, but can also cause “disability and even death.”
To prevent this disease, experts recommend consistent and effective strength training along with aerobic exercise to complement overall health, as well as maintaining an active lifestyle and eating a diet high in protein and foods rich in vitamin D and omega-3.