Muscle and metabolism are more than buzzwords—they’re key indicators of long-term health. In this MYOS MD Power Panel, clinical nutritionist Dr. Leandro Pucci dives into how strength, protein, and lifestyle habits shape men’s physical and cognitive performance. Watch the replay for practical strategies and science-backed insights.
Fueling Strength and Clarity: Muscle & Metabolism Tips for Men
In our latest MYOS MD Power Panel, Dr. Swathi Varanasi sat down with Dr. Leandro Pucci—a clinical nutritionist specializing in functional medicine and men’s health—to unpack the often-overlooked connections between muscle, metabolism, and mental clarity.
Whether you’re a practitioner supporting men’s wellness or on your own journey to better health, this conversation offers practical advice backed by science.
Why Muscle Mass Matters More Than You Think
“Muscle mass is a strong predictor of longevity.” — Dr. Pucci
Beyond strength and appearance, muscle plays a central role in metabolic health, blood sugar regulation, and disease prevention.
“The more muscle you have, the better you are at utilizing and storing glucose in the muscle instead of fat.” — Dr. Pucci
Muscle also supports independence, bone density, injury prevention, and even brain function through increased blood flow and the release of neuroprotective compounds like BDNF.
Understanding Metabolism: The Real Red Flags
Metabolic dysfunction can show up long before it appears in labs. Dr. Pucci encourages men to watch for warning signs like:
- Belly fat (a signal of insulin resistance)
- Low energy or frequent fatigue
- Brain fog and poor concentration
- Erectile dysfunction
Protein: The Most Underrated Fix
“Protein will be the key… Protein intake, recovery, and stress management—that’s the trifecta.” — Dr. Pucci
He recommends 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of ideal body weight, prioritizing complete proteins rich in leucine (especially eggs and animal protein).
Protein supports muscle retention, appetite control, hormone production, and metabolic flexibility—especially critical for men using GLP-1 medications.
GLP-1 Meds & Muscle Loss: The Untold Story
“They start losing weight—bone, muscle, fat—and aging incredibly fast. People age decades when they don’t do this the right way.” — Dr. Pucci
Without strategic nutrition and training, GLP-1 meds can cause rapid muscle loss. Dr. Pucci emphasizes pairing these medications with protein prioritization and resistance training.
A Science-Backed Solution
As Dr. Swathi noted, MYOS MD, powered by Fortetropin®, helps support lean muscle mass—especially in aging adults or those on GLP-1 meds.
“MyosMD is changing the way we think about muscle health.” — Dr. Swathi
The Bottom Line for Men’s Health
For Dr. Pucci, optimizing men’s health comes down to:
- Building and preserving muscle
- Stabilizing metabolic health
- Protecting mental clarity
And the best tools? Protein, resistance training, stress management, and smart supplementation.