Important clues may be hidden in parts of the body that are often overlooked. overall health.
Researchers at the University of Westminster, UK, have found that the shape of the gluteus maximus muscle in the buttocks changes with age, gender, lifestyle, frailty, and even certain diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoporosis. type 2 diabetes.
Using advanced MRI scans that create 3D images, researchers have revealed a “unique” pattern in the gluteus maximus muscle associated with type 2 diabetes.
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This suggests that muscle shape, rather than size, may “reflect underlying metabolic differences,” the press release said.
The findings were presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting in Chicago in December.
The researchers say that unlike previous studies that looked at muscle size and fat, 3D imaging pinpointed exactly where muscle changes were occurring.
One of the largest muscles in the human body, the gluteus maximus “plays a vital role” in the body. metabolic healthAccording to the study’s lead author, Dr. E. Louise Thomas, Professor of Metabolic Imaging in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Westminster.
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Researchers analyzed more than 61,000 MRI scans from a large UK health database to better understand muscle structure.
Data included participant physical measurements, demographics, disease biomarkers, medical history and lifestyle. Researchers studied how these variables were associated with muscle shape over time.
“The person who has higher fitness“The shape of the gluteus maximus was larger, as measured by vigorous physical activity and hand grip strength, but aging, frailty and prolonged sitting were associated with thinning of the muscle,” study co-author Marjola Tanaji, Ph.D., a senior research fellow at the Center for Optimal Health Research at the University of Westminster, said in a statement.
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The researchers concluded that changes in the shape of the butt may indicate “early functional decline” and “decreased metabolism” in people with type 2 diabetes.
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men with type 2 diabetes Researchers said the women showed muscle contraction, while the women showed muscle enlargement, likely due to “fat infiltration” within the muscles.
These results suggest that men and women have “very different biological responses to the same disease,” Tanaji suggested.
Men classified as ‘frail’ were perceived to have a greater ‘global contraction’ across the gluteus maximus, whereas women experienced a ‘limited’ frailty effect.
Tanya Becker, co-founder of Physique 57 in New York City, says strengthening your glutes is “an investment in your long-term health.”
“Although the whole body, strength training “It’s important to focus on the glutes, which are the largest muscle group in the body and require special attention,” she told FOX News Digital.
Dr. Becker calls the glutes the body’s “shock absorbers.” The glutes protect your hips, knees, and lower back from stress they are not designed to withstand.
Larger muscle groups burn more calories and also help regulate blood sugar levels, experts add, adding that muscles are oftenorgan of longevity. ”
Strengthening your glutes also helps protect your hips, hips, and knees, and also improves your posture and balance, reducing your risk of falls and increasing your mobility.
Becker recommends traditional weighted exercises like squats, lunges, and bridges, but these aren’t suitable for everyone. senior citizen With injuries and joint pain.
“Pilates and barre classes provide ideal bodyweight training for beginners and those with physical limitations,” she suggested. “It can be done anytime, anywhere, so even beginners will have access to it before moving on to the weighted version.”
Mr. Becker shared three things: gluteus maximus exercises Improves hip mobility, stability, and overall strength.
Get on your hands and knees, engage your core, and lift one leg (bent or straight) off the floor. Pulse up and down a few inches for 30 to 60 seconds, then repeat with the other leg.
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Lie on your side and bend your knees 90 degrees in front of you. Lift your top knee away from your bottom knee and slowly lower it.
For an added challenge, lift both feet off the ground, keeping your heels together. Repeat for 30 to 60 seconds per side.
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet parallel, a few inches from your hips. Engage your abdominal muscles and squeeze your glutes to lift your hips to knee height and then lower them down.
If you feel pressure in your neck, you’re lifting too much. Run for 30-60 seconds. Complete 3 sets with 30 seconds of rest in between.
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Anyone looking to start a new fitness routine should consult their doctor first.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the study authors for comment.
