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Muscular men live longer
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Having an athletic build can mean more to men than just good looks.
A team of researchers from Sweden has found that muscular guys not only attract more attention from women, but also live longer than less athletic men.
The results of the scientists' research are presented in the British Medical Journal.
Experts analyzed data from a million men liable for military service who underwent pre-conscription medical examinations 24 years ago, at the age of 16-19. Doctors tested their physical fitness by making them do physical exercises, push-ups and squats, testing their endurance. All data was recorded.
Over the years, some of these men died, some gained extra pounds. Experts discovered an interesting fact - those who were no longer alive, in their youth were not distinguished by an athletic build and were weak. They also found that unathletic people are most susceptible to mental disorders and frequent stress.
However, the results do not mean that building muscle mass will ensure a long life. Even if men who were muscular and fit in their youth gain excess weight, they will still live longer.
During the entire study period, 26,145 men died. The leading causes of death, according to scientists, were accidental injuries, followed by suicide, cancer, heart disease and stroke. A third of the deaths were due to other causes.
Those guys whose muscle strength was above average at the beginning of the study were 20-35% less likely to die early for one reason or another. Weak people were 65% more likely to go crazy or get depressed, and the suicide rate in this case was 20-30%.
Hypertension and obesity are often the reasons for early death. If we do not take into account the influence of these factors and heredity, then muscle weakness is one of the main reasons for premature death. Even a large belly does not depress men as much as a lack of muscles.
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