Singapore study reveals new women's health findings

Singapore’s longitudinal cohort study has shed new light on women’s health, specifically how muscle strength and visceral fat affect menopause and downstream health impacts. The study, conducted by the Integrated Women’s Health Programme at the National University Hospital and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, found that women with weak muscle strength and high visceral fat had a higher risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Their risk was 2.63 times higher than that of women with normal muscle strength and lower fat levels. This discovery could help predict and prevent chronic conditions before they arise, using physical performance assessments and a simple blood test.

The researchers established a link between muscle strength, visceral fat, and the risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Women with both weak muscle strength and high levels of visceral fat were more likely to develop these conditions.

In another recent study, the team discovered that a simple hospital blood test could help predict who is more likely to lose muscle mass and physical strength with age. Women with a lower ratio of creatinine to cystatin C had less muscle and walked more slowly later in life.

Prof Yong Eu Leong, Head and Emeritus Consultant, emphasized the importance of physical performance assessments and muscle strength exercises in extending healthy lifespans for midlife Singaporean women. He noted that targeted implementation programs consisting of muscle strength exercises are beneficial for midlife women.

The study’s findings suggest that physical performance assessments and a simple blood test could be used to predict and prevent chronic conditions before they arise.

They have significant implications for the development of strategies to improve women’s health, particularly in the areas of muscle strength and visceral fat. By identifying women at risk and providing them with targeted interventions, healthcare providers can help prevent chronic conditions and improve overall health outcomes.

Healthcare providers must consider the association between muscle strength and visceral fat when developing health promotion programs for women.

It is essential to extend healthy lifespans for midlife women.