Written by Kaitlyn Gomez
One of the most reliable predictors of how long and how well someone will live is not found in a lab value or on a scan, but in the amount of lean muscle mass they carry. Research increasingly supports the idea that muscle mass is among the most powerful indicators of longevity and metabolic health. It plays a crucial role in regulating glucose and maintaining physical function across the lifespan.
A 2024 study analyzing U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data found that individuals with low muscle mass faced significantly increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality versus those with adequate muscle mass. Muscle mass is metabolically active tissue that serves as a storage site for glucose and plays a central role in insulin signaling. As a result, individuals with more muscle tend to manage blood glucose more effectively, reducing their risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Jonathan Schoeff, a surgeon and physician specializing in precision longevity medicine at The Longevity Lab, has closely followed these developments. His clinical focus aligns with data on the importance of muscle, protein intake, and metabolic health.
This focus is deeply personal. After suffering a series of personal losses, Dr. Schoeff experienced a period of food addiction and weight gain that resulted in a 50-pound increase in body weight and the onset of pre-diabetic conditions. During this time, he struggled with depression and anxiety, conditions that were exacerbated by physiological imbalances. The process of regaining his health gave him a renewed sense of purpose and a blueprint for clinical care centered on metabolic restoration.
“I think that’s a major piece as well to share. Part of getting to know me is that this is a very personal, intimate journey that I’m on,” says Dr. Schoeff. “I think it’s really important to me to be relatable as a clinician, to be dealing with the same stuff other people are.”
Interest in glucose monitoring technology has grown substantially in recent years. Devices such as the Dexcom G7 and Libre 3 offer real-time insights into blood glucose levels, allowing individuals to see how meals, exercise, and sleep affect their metabolic status. According to Dr. Schoeff, these tools are no longer reserved for people diagnosed with diabetes. They can be useful for anyone trying to assess their body’s response to food and activity, helping to identify early signs of insulin resistance before it becomes entrenched. Upcoming devices, like a new feature in the Oura Ring that aims to track glucose spikes in response to meals, suggest that consumer interest in metabolic awareness is on the rise.
Dr. Schoeff often discusses these differences in patient consultations and public appearances, including an upcoming talk at the AMSPA conference in Las Vegas. There, he will address topics related to GLP-1 medications and muscle-building technology, including the use of HiFEM (EmSculpt NEO) for targeted muscle stimulation. While GLP-1 receptor agonists have become widely known for their role in weight management, Dr. Schoeff advocates for a balanced approach that prioritizes lean mass preservation during fat loss. Without attention to muscle, rapid weight loss can result in undesirable shifts in body composition, leaving individuals metabolically weaker despite smaller body size.
Looking ahead, Dr. Schoeff is working to expand the Longevity Lab brand to include a broader spectrum of care, incorporating sports orthopedics, joint orthopedics, and spine care into its offerings. As tools for tracking metabolic health become more accessible and more people seek to understand how to age well, the medical model will continue to evolve.
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