The Claim

Carriers of rare, function-disrupting myostatin gene variants exhibit significantly lower body fat percentage and reduced total adipose tissue volume, as measured by whole-body MRI and bioimpedance in a cohort of over 77,000 individuals.

Source: Humans with function-disrupting variants in the myostatin gene (MSTN) have increased skeletal muscle mass and strength, and less adiposity

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
56score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Correlation
1 study reviewed
In plain English

People with rare mutations in the myostatin gene have lower body fat percentage and less total fat tissue, as measured by MRI and bioimpedance in a study of more than 77,000 people.

See the scientific wording

Carriers of rare, function-disrupting myostatin gene variants have significantly lower body fat percentage and reduced total adipose tissue volume, as measured by whole-body MRI and bioimpedance in over 77,000 individuals, suggesting a reciprocal relationship between muscle gain and fat loss.

Why this might work

When the myostatin protein is disrupted, muscles grow larger because their growth signals are no longer blocked. Larger muscles require more energy, so the body burns more fat to fuel them, leading to less fat storage overall.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Humans with function-disrupting variants in the myostatin gene (MSTN) have increased skeletal muscle mass and strength, and less adiposity

    People born with a rare gene change that limits myostatin end up with more muscle and less fat, and this study proved it by scanning over 77,000 people’s bodies. So yes, less myostatin = more muscle and less fat, together.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.