Muscle Myths and Midlife: What Women Really Need to Know - #132

Starting around age 40, women can lose 3 to 8 percent of their muscle mass each decade if they’re not actively doing something to protect it. At the same time, body fat tends to increase, especially around the midsection, leaving many women frustrated that their old routines no longer work. Add in the hormonal shifts of menopause, and suddenly the risk of insulin resistance, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and even frailty down the road feels very real. But here’s the good news: muscle is not just about looking toned. It’s your currency for strength, independence, and longevity. It supports your bones, protects against falls and fractures, stabilizes blood sugar, and keeps your metabolism humming. Midlife is an opportunity to build muscle and change the trajectory of your life.

My guest today is Professor Stuart Phillips, PhD, FACSM, FCAHS, one of the world’s top researchers on muscle health, protein metabolism, and aging. Dr. Phillips is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and a member of the School of Medicine at McMaster University. He is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Skeletal Muscle Health. His work centers on the interaction of exercise/physical activity, aging, and nutrition in skeletal muscle and body composition. He is a fellow of several Academies, Societies, and Colleges, including the ACSM, but was most recently appointed as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC).

Today, we are going to break down midlife myths and barriers and share how to thrive in your second act with practical and accessible strategies.

Medical Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast.

Find Dr. Stuart Philips:

IG:  @mackinprof 

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If you’re a Chicago-area midlife woman, check out the Chicago Menopause Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to navigating menopause locally with experts: https://chicagomenopausecollective.org