355. Muscle Centric Medicine

In this episode of the You Are Not Broken podcast, Dr. Kelly Casperson sits down with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon for a powerful, science-forward conversation about why muscle is the organ of longevity—and why women have been taught to focus on the wrong things for decades. They unpack how an overemphasis on fat loss has distracted from the far more important goal of preserving and building muscle, especially as we age. Dr. Lyon explains anabolic resistance, protein needs across the lifespan, and why mindset—not willpower—is often the missing link in women’s fitness and health outcomes. This episode reframes strength training, nutrition, and supplements as essential medical tools—not aesthetic choices—and delivers a clear message: women deserve better education about their bodies and the confidence to train for strength, not shrinkage. Why muscle is critical for metabolic health, protection, and aging well How the obsession with fat loss has undermined women’s long-term health The role of mindset in body recomposition and sustainable fitness Why protein intake matters more than calorie restriction What anabolic resistance is—and why protein needs increase with age How the “fit fat” phenotype challenges outdated health metrics When continuous glucose monitoring is helpful (and when it’s not) Why many women over 65 are protein deficient—and why that matters The role of supplements like creatine and essential amino acids Why strength training is a non-negotiable for women’s health Muscle is not about appearance—it’s about independence, resilience, and metabolic health. Women have been under-informed, under-fueled, and under-trained for far too long. Prioritizing strength is one of the most powerful health decisions a woman can make at any age. In The Forever Strong PLAYBOOK, you’ll discover how to think, eat, move, and recover in a way that supports muscle, protects your metabolism, and helps you look, feel, and live Forever Strong. When you pre-order a copy, you’ll unlock $400+ in additional bonuses, including a 6-week group challenge to help you bring the plan from the book to life with accountability support and community.https://drgabriellelyon.com/playbook/ To my fellow clinicians: listen to the You Are Not Broken podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Pinnacle's network to earn FREE CME credit⁠⁠⁠ Listen to my Tedx Talk: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Why we need adult sex ed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waitlist is open⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midi Women's Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance.Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinmidi.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices