Muscle Mass and Low Belly Fat Linked to Younger-Looking Brains

New research shows that individuals with more muscle and lower visceral fat—fat stored deep in the abdomen—tend to have biologically younger brains. The study, presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting, analyzed 1,164 healthy adults (mean age 55) using whole-body MRI. An AI algorithm assessed muscle volume, visceral and subcutaneous fat, and predicted brain age.

Results indicated that a higher visceral fat-to-muscle ratio corresponded to an older predicted brain age, while more muscle was associated with younger-looking brains. Subcutaneous fat under the skin showed no meaningful effect on brain aging.

The findings highlight the link between body composition and brain health, suggesting that reducing visceral fat while maintaining or increasing muscle may help protect cognitive function. Insights may also guide next-generation metabolic therapies, including GLP-1 weight loss drugs, to optimize fat loss without compromising muscle, promoting both physical and brain health.

25-11-2025