New medical research suggests the shape of your buttocks could reveal crucial information about your likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes, offering a novel way to assess metabolic health.
The Science Behind Gluteal Shape and Health
Scientists from the University of Westminster have discovered that the shape of the gluteus maximus muscle, rather than its size, may reflect metabolic differences associated with diabetes. The research team used advanced MRI 3D mapping technology to create detailed anatomical models, analysing data from 61,290 MRI examinations stored in the UK Biobank database.
Dr Marjola Thanaj, the study's co-author from the university's Research Centre for Optimal Health, explained their findings: "People with higher fitness, as measured by vigorous physical activity and hand grip strength, had a greater gluteus maximus shape, while ageing, frailty and long sitting times were linked to muscle thinning."
Gender Differences in Muscle Response
The research uncovered striking differences in how men and women's gluteal muscles respond to metabolic conditions. Analysis showed that men categorised as "frail" experienced general muscle shrinkage across the gluteus maximus when they had diabetes. Meanwhile, women with diabetes displayed more enlarged muscle, likely due to fat infiltration within the muscle tissue.
Dr Thanaj emphasised the significance of these findings: "The results suggest that men and women have very different biological responses to the same disease."
Practical Steps for Better Metabolic Health
The study highlights the critical importance of maintaining muscle mass not just for strength, but for its role in regulating blood sugar and reducing risk of conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease to fatty liver disease.
Professor Louise Thomas, a senior author of the study, told The Times: "Maintaining muscle mass as we age is one of the most important things we can do for our long-term health. If people understand how important their muscles are, and make small changes to keep them healthy, that could have a huge impact on disease across the population."
Researchers recommend simple lifestyle adjustments including taking the stairs instead of the lift and incorporating squats and lunges into weekly routines to maintain and strengthen the gluteus maximus. The gluteus maximus, being one of the largest muscles in the human body, plays a particularly significant role in metabolic health.
The findings will be presented next week at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, adding to existing NHS warnings that ageing and increased weight heighten Type 2 diabetes risk.
