This physiological process refers to the net increase in the body’s lean tissue components, specifically muscle, bone, and water, excluding adipose tissue. It is a critical clinical marker of metabolic health and anabolic drive, often associated with optimized hormonal status, particularly adequate levels of androgens and growth factors. Achieving fat-free mass accretion is essential for maintaining physical function, enhancing metabolic rate, and improving overall longevity.
Origin
The terminology originates from body composition analysis and exercise physiology, where the components of total body weight are scientifically partitioned for diagnostic and performance tracking purposes. Its integration into hormonal health reflects the recognition of hormones like testosterone and growth hormone as potent anabolic agents that directly influence lean tissue synthesis.
Mechanism
Accretion is primarily mediated by anabolic hormones and growth factors, which stimulate protein synthesis within muscle cells and promote cellular differentiation and proliferation in bone and connective tissues. This mechanism involves activating intracellular signaling pathways, such as the mTOR pathway, leading to a positive nitrogen balance and the structural remodeling of somatic tissue in response to metabolic demand or exercise stimulus.
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