# Low Muscle Mass Linked to 42% Higher Death Risk in Adults

*Association Between Fat-Free Mass and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.*

- **Evidence Level**: Strong
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
- **Journal**: Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle
- **Sample Size**: 1,149,807 community-dwelling adults
- **Authors**: Haas VL, Fromherz P, Jochem C, Baurecht H, Alt V, Leitzmann MF, Sedlmeier AM
- **Published**: 2026-07-13
- **Topics**: muscle mass, longevity, body composition
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.70331
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42430205/

## Summary

People with less fat-free mass, which is mostly muscle, had a much higher chance of dying early. This looked at over a million adults living in their communities. The link was stronger in men than in women. It held up across different ages, regions, and causes of death.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests keeping muscle mass may matter for living longer.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-switzerland.com/en/research/low-muscle-mass-linked-to-42-higher-death-risk-in-adults · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-07-13_