The Hidden Health Risks of Being “Skinny” with Low Muscle Mass

In our weight-obsessed culture, being “skinny” is often celebrated as the ultimate sign of health. But the truth is, being thin doesn’t automatically mean you’re healthy, especially if you have low muscle mass.

At Kalos, we’ve seen countless clients who appear lean on the outside but have imbalances in body composition that put them at risk for long-term health problems. This is sometimes called “skinny fat”, and it’s more common than you might think.

What “Skinny Fat” Really Means

• Low muscle mass combined with high body fat percentage (often hidden as visceral fat)
• Can occur even when BMI is in the “normal” range
• Often goes undetected without a detailed body composition analysis like a DEXA Scan

The Risks of Low Muscle Mass

1. Metabolic Health Problems

• Muscle tissue is metabolically active, more muscle means better glucose control.
• Low muscle mass is linked to insulin resistance and higher Type 2 diabetes risk.

2. Poor Bone Health

• Muscles place healthy stress on bones, stimulating bone density.
• Without enough muscle, bone mass can decline faster, raising osteoporosis risk.

3. Reduced Strength and Mobility

• Even if you’re light, low muscle mass can make everyday activities harder.
• Weak muscles increase fall risk, especially later in life.

4. Higher Visceral Fat Risk

• People with low muscle mass often carry more fat around their organs, this hidden fat drives inflammation and disease.

How a DEXA Scan Reveals the Truth

Unlike the scale or BMI, a DEXA Scan provides:

• Precise lean mass measurements for the whole body
• Regional muscle data to identify weak spots
• Visceral fat analysis to uncover hidden risks
• Tracking over time to ensure progress isn’t just weight loss, but muscle gain too

How to Protect Yourself from the Risks

Step 1: Get a Baseline DEXA Scan

Find out your current muscle mass, fat mass, and visceral fat levels.

Step 2: Strength Train Regularly

Prioritize resistance training 2–4 times per week to build and maintain muscle.

Step 3: Eat Enough Protein

Aim for at least 0.8–1.2g of protein per pound of lean mass to support muscle growth.

Step 4: Track Progress Monthly or Bimonthly

Per Core Rule #1, use frequent scans to make sure you’re gaining lean mass, not just losing weight.

Real-World Example

A Kalos client came in with a BMI of 21 and a seemingly “ideal” body type. Their DEXA scan revealed low muscle mass and high visceral fat. By adding structured resistance training, increasing protein intake, and scanning every month, they reduced visceral fat by 40% and gained 5 lbs of lean muscle in 12 weeks, without changing their weight.

Don’t Just Aim to Be Thin, Aim to Be Strong

A healthy body isn’t just about the number on the scale, it’s about having the right balance of muscle and fat. DEXA Scan gives you the data you need to protect your health, boost performance, and feel strong for life.

Book Your DEXA Scan with Kalos Today in Downtown San Francisco or Palo Alto!

If you’re ready to take control of your health with the most accurate body composition analysis available, it’s time to book your DEXA scan at Kalos. Whether you’re looking to get lean, build muscle, improve performance, or optimize longevity, our advanced technology and expert guidance will help you get there.

Schedule your scan today at Kalos, your journey to data-driven fitness starts now.

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