Tag: Muscle fat

Intramuscular fat, known scientifically as intramyocellular triglycerides (IMTG) and informally as marbling, is fat within skeletal muscle fibers. Excessive intramuscular fat, known as myosteatosis, can lead to health issues.

Recent studies show that fat accumulation within muscles can increase mortality risk as much as type 2 diabetes. So, what is skeletal fat, and why is this hidden fat a health concern?

According to a 2024 study, increased intramuscular fat is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, regardless of a person's body mass index. But what are small flecks of fat throughout the muscle, and are they always a cause for concern? The answer varies significantly depending on whether you're talking about meat or human health.