550: The Real Reason People Break Down After 40 (It’s Not "Getting Older") | Vonda Wright, MD

The podcast explores the critical role of muscle and strength in healthy aging and disease prevention. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Vonda Wright emphasizes that muscle is the ultimate longevity lever, highlighting how sedentary behavior accelerates aging. Drawing from her research on master athletes, she argues that preserving muscle, bone, and brain function is possible through consistent mobility and smart nutrition. Dr. Wright discusses how, in the OR, she observes stark differences in bone density and tissue quality between fit and unfit individuals, with the bones of sedentary people feeling like butter. She advocates for a gram of high-quality protein per pound of body weight daily, distributed evenly to maximize muscle protein synthesis and quiet food noise.