Breakfast intake and physical activity are associated with skeletal muscle mass and SMI in male Japanese workers
In a cross-sectional study of 377 male Japanese workers, multiple regression analysis revealed that skeletal muscle mass and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were associated with age, BMI, breakfast intake, and waist circumference, with skeletal muscle mass also associated with heavy physical activity. The findings suggest that prioritizing breakfast intake and physical activity may help maintain muscle mass.
Evidence Score
Study Evidence
Study 1. A cross-sectional study of lifestyle factors related to body mass index, skeletal muscle mass, and skeletal muscle index in male Japanese workers.
observationalNishitani N, Sakakibara H · Nagoya journal of medical science (2026)
Result: In a cross-sectional study of 377 male Japanese workers, multiple regression analysis revealed that skeletal muscle mass and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were associated with age, BMI, breakfast intake, and waist circumference, with skeletal muscle mass also associated with heavy physical activity. The findings suggest that prioritizing breakfast intake and physical activity may help maintain muscle mass.
Mechanism Graph
Limitations
- ⚠Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference
- ⚠Self-reported lifestyle factors may introduce recall bias
- ⚠Sample limited to male Japanese workers, limiting generalizability
- ⚠No sarcopenic obesity cases met AWGS 2019 criteria, so findings may not apply to sarcopenic populations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main finding of this study?▼
The study found that breakfast intake and physical activity are associated with skeletal muscle mass and SMI in male Japanese workers, suggesting these lifestyle factors may help maintain muscle mass.
How was skeletal muscle mass measured?▼
Skeletal muscle mass was measured using a body composition impedance analyzer (InBody470), and SMI was evaluated based on AWGS 2019 guidelines.
What is the significance of breakfast intake for muscle health?▼
Breakfast intake was positively associated with skeletal muscle mass and SMI, indicating that regular breakfast consumption may contribute to muscle maintenance, possibly through improved nutrient intake.
What type of physical activity was associated with muscle mass?▼
Heavy physical activity was specifically associated with skeletal muscle mass, suggesting that more intense exercise may be beneficial for muscle preservation.
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References
- 1.Nishitani N, Sakakibara H. "A cross-sectional study of lifestyle factors related to body mass index, skeletal muscle mass, and skeletal muscle index in male Japanese workers.." Nagoya journal of medical science, 2026. PMID: 42558865 DOI: 10.18999/nagjms.88.2.207