• A new study suggests that higher levels of hidden fat within muscles were linked to increased risks of high blood pressure, unstable blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol levels.
• It also indicates that lower lean muscle mass was associated with worse cardiometabolic health, while higher muscle mass showed a protective effect, primarily in males.
• Low physical activity was associated with more hidden muscle fat and less lean muscle, highlighting lifestyle as an important factor in muscle composition and overall metabolic health.
• Many participants with no known health conditions were found to have undiagnosed risk factors, suggesting these issues can develop silently.

Written by Peter Morales-Brown on May 11, 2026 — Fact checked by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D.

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