Strong legs play a critical role in overall health and independence especially as people grow older according to Dr Saurabh Sethi a California-based gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS Harvard and Stanford. In a recent social media post Dr Sethi explained that maintaining leg strength is essential not just for mobility but for long-term metabolic and brain health.
Dr Sethi emphasised that ageing itself does not take away independence but weak legs do. After the age of 40 declining leg strength significantly increases the risk of falls fractures loss of independence and even early death. He pointed out that hip fractures alone account for nearly 20 to 30 percent of one-year mortality in older adults highlighting how crucial lower body strength is for survival and recovery.
According to the specialist leg muscles make up more than half of the body’s total muscle mass making them the body’s largest metabolic engine. These muscles are responsible for clearing most of the sugar from the bloodstream after meals. Weak leg muscles can therefore lead to poor glucose control higher insulin levels increased visceral fat and fatty liver risk. Strengthening the legs helps improve insulin sensitivity reduces inflammation lowers triglycerides and supports better metabolic health.
Strong legs also benefit brain function. Research has linked better lower body strength with improved memory slower cognitive decline and reduced risk of dementia. Dr Sethi noted that difficulty climbing stairs struggling to get up from the floor or feeling exhausted during long walks are warning signs of weakening legs that should not be ignored.
To build and maintain leg strength Dr Sethi recommends consistent daily habits such as proper nutrition regular movement and adequate recovery. Effective exercises include squats lunges step-ups bodyweight or resistance band workouts and simple lifestyle changes like walking uphill or using stairs daily. These habits can significantly improve quality of life and support healthy ageing.
