A study of more than 93,000 people reveals that a simple measurement of grip strength could predict obesity-related complications. Dr Gérald Kierzek tells us more about this little-known health indicator, both revealing and accessible to all
Grip strength, an early indicator of future diseases
Researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in the United States have observed an unexpected link between grip strength – the pressure exerted by the hand when gripping an object – and the body’s resistance to the deleterious effects of obesity.
Their study, which followed 93,275 participants aged 40 to 69 with a BMI of 30 or more from the UK Biobank database for an average of 13.4 years, shows that those who had a firmer handshake were less likely to see their obesity progress to organic complications (heart, liver or kidney disease). The protective link observed was also confirmed through other muscular indicators, such as muscle/weight or lean mass/weight ratios.
According to the results published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolismthere strong muscular strength was even linked to a reduced risk of dying prematurely.
The main author of the study, Dr. Yun Shenspecifies: “Our results show that muscular strength is an early and powerful sign to identify people most at risk of developing organ dysfunctions induced by obesity, among those who have excess fat mass.“.
Before adding: “Because grip strength is easy to measure and can be improved through strength training, this research highlights a practical, inexpensive method for identifying at-risk individuals and intervening early“.
Muscular strength, a mirror of overall health
Consulted on the subject, Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical, shares this reading. “Measuring grip strength using a dynamometer can be a powerful indicator of overall health. It is a simple, quick and inexpensive test, which says a lot about our general condition.“.
He recalls that the muscle weakness goes beyond the simple impression of fatigue or a lack of energy: “Low grip strength is associated with a higher risk of developing metabolic liver disease (MASLD, formerly NASH), cirrhosis, and dying from liver disease“.
And added: “More generally, we know that weak grip strength is correlated with an increased risk of mortality from all causes, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.”
How is this link explained? Quite simply because muscle weakness is a sign of sarcopenia, a loss of muscle mass and function. It is linked to inflammation, insulin resistance and overall poor metabolism. So many risk factors for liver disease.
For Dr. Kierzek, the muscular strength is today perceived as a fifth vital signas well as pulse, blood pressure, temperature and respiratory rate. “It reflects the health of the musculoskeletal system, but also that of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.“, he explains.
The doctor describes a double mechanism. “A sedentary lifestyle, poor diet and obesity lead to both the accumulation of fat in the liver and the loss of muscle mass. And the weaker the muscles, the more insulin resistance increases, which further promotes fat storage in the liver. It’s a real vicious circle.”.
Before qualifying: “low strength does not mean you have liver disease, but it may indicate that it would be prudent to see a doctor for further investigations, such as blood tests or elastography“.
Test yourself and strengthen your strength every day
But should you rush to the gym? Not necessarily. Dr Kierzek recalls that simple everyday gestures can already provide valuable clues. “We can test ourselves: shake hands with someone strong; If the person notices that your grip is particularly weak or you have difficulty gripping firmly, this may be a sign“.
He also offers a tip: “If you have a manual blood pressure monitor at home, squeeze the bulb as hard as possible: even if it is not a calibrated instrument, it gives a rough indication. Finally, look at your daily life: do you have trouble opening a jar, carrying your groceries or getting up from a chair without using your arms? General weakness can be a warning sign“.
For a precise measurement, he reminds that physiotherapists and sports doctors have a dynamometer. This is the reference tool for assessing grip strength. And good news, it is a modifiable risk factor: “Physical activity is the best medicine“, he assures.
“Resistance training, with dumbbells, resistance bands or body weight, is particularly effective for increasing grip strength and overall muscle mass. Not forgetting protein, essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. Make sure you get enough with each meal” concludes our expert.