Skeletal muscle is a central metabolic organ that goes beyond mere mobility: it regulates resting energy expenditure, improves carbohydrate management, produces regenerative myokines for tissues, and supports immunity as well as brain health.

noli's read

The role of muscle as an active metabolic organ is widely supported by research. It is established that muscle is the primary site of glucose uptake (insulin sensitivity), and higher muscle mass correlates with better glycemic management. Regarding metabolism, while muscle does indeed increase resting energy expenditure, the effect is often overestimated in popular discourse: each additional kilogram of muscle burns approximately 13 kcal per day at rest, a modest but real contribution to the overall energy balance. The concept of "myokines" is scientifically validated; these are signaling molecules produced by muscle during contraction that communicate with other organs, including the brain and the immune system. While the link to cognitive and immune health is an active and promising area of research, referring to it as a "sophisticated pharmacy" is a metaphorical image illustrating these signaling functions rather than a literal clinical statement.

the sources

1. 1Hoffmann C, Weigert C 2017
2. 2Campbell JP, Turner JE 2018