British researchers say buttock muscle shape may predict diabetes risk and aging factors better than size alone. The team analyzed over 61,000 MRI scans from the U.K. Biobank database, examining 86 variables related to gluteus maximus changes. “Unlike past studies that mainly looked at muscle size or fat, we used 3D shape mapping to pinpoint exactly where the muscle changes, giving a much more detailed picture,” said study coauthor Marjola Thanaj. Results show people with higher fitness had greater gluteus maximus shape, while aging and long sitting times linked to muscle thinning. Men with frailty showed greater muscle thinning than frail women. In type 2 diabetes patients, males displayed pronounced thinning while females showed enlarged muscle mass, possibly from fat infiltration. (Story URL)
