Muscle, Longevity, and the Power of Protein with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon

Mar 19, 2025

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, a board-certified family physician and bestselling author, discusses the alarming rise of sarcopenia and the impact of GLP-1 medications on muscle loss. She emphasizes the importance of muscle as a metabolically active organ crucial for longevity and introduces the concept of 'muscle span.' The conversation dives into dietary protein, advocating for higher intake for healthy aging, and addresses misconceptions about hormone replacement therapy. Lyon offers actionable insights to prioritize muscle health and enhance overall well-being.

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ANECDOTE

Path to Medicine

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon's interest in nutrition started young, influenced by her PhD godmother.
A tornado warning and a subsequent feeling of helplessness during her undergraduate work led her to pursue medicine.

INSIGHT

Geriatrics and Longevity

Geriatrics training, while initially depressing, provided Dr. Lyon with valuable lessons about aging and mortality.
This experience shaped her perspective on muscle-centric medicine and the importance of preparing for the future.

INSIGHT

Skeletal Muscle: A Metabolic Powerhouse

Skeletal muscle, the largest organ, plays a crucial role beyond movement.
It acts as an amino acid reservoir, releases myokines during exercise, and influences metabolic processes.

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In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Dr. Gil Blander welcomes Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, a board-certified family physician and New York Times bestselling author of Forever Strong. Gabrielle discusses the growing epidemic of sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and strength, accelerated by the use of GLP-1 medications. She emphasizes the importance of muscle health for overall longevity and introduces the concept of "muscle span."

Gil and Gabrielle explore the critical role of skeletal muscle as a metabolically active organ, its impact on longevity, and the best ways to build and maintain muscle throughout life. They delve into the public's misconception of prioritizing today's needs over tomorrow's health, highlighting the need for preventative measures like strength training. The conversation touches upon the complexities of protein consumption, emphasizing the importance of meeting daily protein goals and the often-overlooked nutritional needs for healthy aging.

Finally, they address common misconceptions regarding hormone replacement therapy and the importance of prioritizing muscle-centric medicine. This episode offers actionable insights and valuable knowledge for anyone seeking to optimize their health and longevity through a deeper understanding of muscle health.

Guest-at-a-Glance

💡 Name: Dr. Gabrielle Lyon

💡What they do: N/A

💡Company: Dr. Gabrielle Lyon

💡Noteworthy: Physician and New York Times bestselling author specializing in muscle-centric medicine and longevity.
💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn, Instagram

Episode highlights:

[01:09] Meet Dr. Gabrielle Lyon
[06:09] The Importance of Muscle Health
[09:37] Writing and Impact of 'Forever Strong'
[14:45] The Role of Skeletal Muscle
[21:54] Building and Maintaining Muscle
[26:40] The New Epidemic: Muscle Loss
[30:22] Optimizing Health with InsideTracker
[39:41] The Importance of Healthy Skeletal Muscle
[43:03] The Reality of Aging and Taking Action
[45:43] Hormone Replacement Therapy: A Controversial Topic
[53:52] Understanding Dietary Protein
[01:00:23] Protein Consumption and Distribution
[01:03:33] The Role of Animal-Based Products in Human Health
[01:15:55] Supplements for Muscle Building and Health
[01:17:51] Top Tips for Health Span and Longevity

For science-backed ways to live a healthier longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast