U.S. News survey: 76% flag muscle loss

U.S. News & World Report said on September 1 that its 2026 Healthy Aging Survey found health experts still put exercise, diet and social connection ahead of supplements, gadgets and other longevity “biohacks.” The survey, which U.S. News said included 53 health experts, also flagged a specific concern tied to GLP-1 weight-loss drugs: 76% of respondents said accelerated muscle loss is a major threat for users. Nearly 60% identified social isolation as the most underappreciated lifestyle blind spot in biological aging, according to the release. Shanley Chien, senior editor of health at U.S. News, said the findings point back to “time-tested daily habits” rather than expensive optimization trends. ### Why did the survey single out muscle loss in GLP-1 users? The 76% figure stood out because it tied one of the biggest current health trends — GLP-1 use — to a specific aging risk. U.S. News said surveyed experts agreed or strongly agreed that accelerated muscle loss is a severe health threat for people using GLP-1 medications, warning that loss of lean muscle alongside fat can worsen frailty with age. (prnewswire.com) Shanley Chien told WTOP that 52% of experts said the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1 medications outweigh potential long-term risks, but added that users “aren’t proactive” enough about the muscle-loss risk. She said regular strength training and protein intake can help preserve mobility and independence as people age. (prnewswire.com) ### Which habits did experts rank above biohacks? U.S. News said 89% of surveyed experts ranked physical activity and a nutrient-dense diet among the most critical factors for healthy aging. Restorative, high-quality sleep followed at 30%, according to the PR Newswire release. (wtop.com) Spectrum News quoted Chien as saying the survey offered “a very clear reality check” and that “basic habits beat biohacks.” She said people using GLP-1 medications should add resistance training and make sure they get enough protein each day. ### Why was social isolation near the top of the list? (prnewswire.com) U.S. News said 59% of experts identified social isolation as the most underappreciated accelerator of biological aging. The release said respondents linked lack of meaningful connection to worse sleep, higher stress and health effects including heart disease and dementia. (spectrumnews1.com) WTOP quoted Chien saying isolation is often treated mainly as a mental-health issue even though it is also tied to physical health effects. Spectrum News said she urged people to make social interaction part of their health routine through group classes, clubs or regular check-ins with family and friends. (prnewswire.com) ### How big was the survey, and who was surveyed? WTOP reported that U.S. News surveyed 53 health experts to better understand healthy aging. The PR Newswire release described the group more broadly as longevity experts, medical professionals, clinical researchers and dietitians. (wtop.com) The September 1 release said the findings came from the second annual 2026 U.S. News Healthy Aging Survey. U.S. News framed the results as a shift from 2025, when experts had expected GLP-1 medications, AI-mediated healthcare and personal tracking devices to drive the future of healthy aging. (wtop.com) ### What did U.S. News say comes next? U.S. News published the survey findings in its health section in an article dated August 28 and distributed the press release on September 1. The company’s press-room posting and health explainer both point readers to the full 2026 Healthy Aging Survey coverage for additional rankings on supplements, AI tools and wearable trackers. (prnewswire.com) (usnews.com)