The Claim
Heterozygous carriers of rare, function-disrupting myostatin gene variants exhibit a 3–7% increase in overall muscle volume and a 10% or greater increase in specific muscle groups such as the gluteus maximus, with the magnitude of increase proportional to the degree of functional disruption as quantified by automated MRI segmentation in a cohort of 77,572 individuals.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
People who carry one copy of a rare myostatin gene variant that reduces its function have 3–7% more total muscle volume and at least 10% more muscle in specific areas like the gluteus maximus, with the amount of increase directly related to how much the gene's function is disrupted, as measured by automated MRI analysis in 77,572 people.
See the scientific wording
Heterozygous carriers of rare, function-disrupting myostatin gene variants show a 3–7% increase in overall muscle volume and a 10% or greater increase in specific muscle groups such as the gluteus maximus, with effects proportional to the degree of functional disruption, as quantified by automated MRI segmentation in 77,572 individuals.
A broken copy of the myostatin gene produces a faulty protein that cannot properly turn off muscle growth. This allows muscle cells to grow larger and multiply more, increasing muscle volume, especially in large muscles like the glutes. At the same time, the body shifts energy use toward building muscle instead of storing fat, reducing overall body fat.
What the research says
1 studyPeople born with one broken copy of the myostatin gene naturally have more muscle — up to 10% more in their butt and thighs — and the more the gene is broken, the more muscle they have. This was confirmed by scanning 77,572 people with MRI.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.