{"id":798287,"date":"2026-03-02T04:15:15","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T04:15:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/798287\/"},"modified":"2026-03-02T04:15:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T04:15:15","slug":"jennifer-lopez-on-why-muscle-matters-after-50","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/798287\/","title":{"rendered":"Jennifer Lopez on why muscle matters after 50"},"content":{"rendered":"

3 min readNew DelhiFeb 28, 2026 08:00 PM IST<\/p>\n

American pop icon Jennifer Lopez, 56, spoke candidly about how her fitness routine has evolved with age \u2014 and why she now prioritises lifting weights over excessive cardio. \u201cI do a lot of weights now\u2026 Even if you are into cardio, and you want to be slim, or drop weight, muscle is the thing that burns fat, and as we get older, we lose the muscle, so we need to build the muscle to keep a youthful appearance,\u201d she told CBS Mornings. Her statement reflects a growing shift in fitness conversations, especially for people in their 40s and 50s.<\/p>\n

But how much of this is backed by science?\u00a0 According to Dr Pranav Ghody, Consultant Endocrinologist & Diabetologist, Wockhardt<\/a> Hospitals, Mumbai<\/a> Central, muscle building in midlife is not just important \u2014 it is essential.<\/p>\n

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\nWhy muscle building matters in the mid-50s<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter the age of 30, we begin to gradually lose muscle mass, and this decline accelerates after 50,\u201d explains Dr Ghody. \u201cHormonal changes, reduced physical activity, and natural ageing all contribute to this process.\u201d This age-related muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, can significantly impact long-term health, he adds.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaintaining muscle mass protects joints, improves balance, and reduces the risk of falls,\u201d says Dr Ghody. \u201cIt also helps preserve independence and functional strength \u2014 things like climbing stairs, carrying groceries, or getting up from a chair.\u201d<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Does muscle really \u2018burn fat\u2019?<\/p>\n

\u201cIn simple terms, yes,\u201d says Dr Ghody. \u201cMuscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it burns more calories at rest compared to fat tissue. The more lean muscle someone has, the higher their resting metabolic rate tends to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, he clarifies that muscle does not \u201cmagically melt fat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt makes fat loss easier when combined with proper nutrition,\u201d he explains. \u201cStrength training also improves insulin sensitivity, which allows the body to use glucose efficiently instead of storing it as fat.\u201d<\/p>\n

How muscle loss affects weight and appearance<\/p>\n

One of the most frustrating aspects of ageing is unexplained weight gain \u2014 even when eating habits remain the same. \u201cLoss of muscle slows down metabolism,\u201d says Dr Ghody. \u201cThis means the body burns fewer calories at rest, making weight gain easier.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Reduced muscle mass can also lead to fatigue, weakness, and a \u2018softer\u2019 body composition, as many describe. \u201cMaintaining muscle supports better posture, a firmer appearance, and more stable energy levels,\u201d he adds. \u201cIt contributes to what many people perceive as a youthful look.<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n

The learning, according to Dr Ghody, is clear: \u201cAs we age, lifting weights is not just about looking toned. It is about protecting metabolism, strength, and long-term health. Especially in women post-menopause, strength training becomes one of the most powerful tools to counter metabolic slowdown.\u201d<\/p>\n

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