A little-known type of fat found in our muscles is invisible to the naked eye and important for our body’s function. But when we have too much, it plays a “critical” role in the development of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders and unhealthy ageing, according to a new paper published in
“It plays a positive role,” says lead author Dr Osvaldo Contreras of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. “It’s healthy to have some of it.” “It’s a distinct pathological process, highlighting that muscle health can deteriorate due to factors intrinsic to the muscle itself, independent of the body’s overall fat distribution,” Contreras explains.
“It’s so important to recognise the value of skeletal muscles in general, not just for moving, but also for metabolic maintenance,” Contreras says.