Resistance exercise and high protein diet improved metabolic flexibility in older men

Metabolic flexibility is the body's ability to switch between burning fat and sugar for energy. This ability often drops as people age. A recent study looked at whether specific lifestyle changes could help older men keep this skill sharp. Thirty-three older men took part in the research. They spent time in special rooms that measured their energy use while awake and asleep. The men either did resistance exercise with a high protein diet or did nothing at all. The results showed clear benefits for the group that exercised and ate more protein. Their bodies became better at switching fuel sources after activity. The men who did not exercise or change their diet did not see these improvements. No safety issues were reported during the study. The team noted that this was an exploratory look at the topic. More research is needed to confirm these findings for everyone. Still, the results offer hope that simple changes can help older adults manage their energy better.