Muscle loss isn’t just a normal part of ageing — it’s a major public-health challenge. Sarcopenia, the gradual loss of muscle and strength, affects millions worldwide and is a key driver of frailty, falls, and reduced independence. But research now shows it begins decades earlier than we once thought — meaning prevention has to start well before old age.In this episode of the #NESIPodcast, Steve speaks with Dr. Lara Vlietstra, Senior Lecturer at the University of Otago. Originally trained as a physiotherapist in the Netherlands, Lara completed two master’s degrees in clinical and geriatric health sciences before earning her PhD on pre-sarcopenia. Her work now spans muscle health, falls prevention, and community-based approaches to healthy ageing.Together, they explore how sarcopenia develops, what we can do earlier in life to protect strength, and how community-driven research can shape practical solutions that truly work.Tune in to hear about:• How sarcopenia is defined — and why early prevention matters• What Lara’s pre-sarcopenia research reveals about midlife muscle health• How community co-design ensures research reflects lived experience and local contextLara shares her belief that real progress happens when researchers work with communities, not just on them — bringing together clinical expertise, lived experience, and local partnerships to turn evidence into change.Connect with Dr. Lara Vlietstra:📧 [email protected] episodes of the NESI Podcast are released bi-weekly.Follow us on:Bluesky: ‪@isbnpa.bsky.social‬X: @ISBNPAInstagram: @isbnpaadminLinkedIn: International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical ActivityDo you want to feature your work on the podcast? We’re always looking for new voices!Email us at [email protected] with a short bio and the research you’d like to share — whether that’s a paper, a project, or a topic in your field that deserves a spotlight.

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