Health expert warns 'you will die early' if you fail this basic test

A health expert has claimed that your grip strength could determine how long you live—and if you can’t pass a simple one-minute test, you might be at risk of early death.

According to nutrition expert Ed Jones, a strong body is a key indicator of longevity, and your ability to hold a heavy weight for 60 seconds is more telling than cholesterol levels or standard blood tests.

The test that could predict your lifespan

Jones, citing longevity expert Dr. Peter Attia, explains that the test involves holding a dumbbell that’s three-quarters of your body weight for one minute.

To put that into perspective:

The average man (190lbs) would need to grip a 140lb dumbbell.
The average woman (160lbs) would need to hold 120lbs.

“If you can’t hold a dumbbell that’s 3/4ths of your weight for one minute, you will die earlier than you would if you were stronger,” Jones claimed on the Nutrition World Podcast.

He added: “That beats cholesterol, it beats every blood test. How many health professionals have asked you that? None.”

Why grip strength matters

Jones says grip strength is a key marker of overall health:

A strong grip suggests better muscle mass, resilience, and slower aging.
Weaker grip strength has been linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, and premature death.

“If you can do this test, everything else in your body is stronger,” he explained. “A resilient body ages slower and gets fewer diseases.”

Can’t pass the test? Here’s another way to check your longevity

If you don’t have access to heavy dumbbells or a gym, there’s another at-home test you can try.

It’s called the “sit-to-stand test”:

Sit on the floor in a cross-legged position.
Try to stand up using only your core and leg strength.
Start with 10 points and subtract one point for each time you need to use your hands, knees, or other support to get up.

The higher your score, the better your longevity outlook.

While no single test can predict the future, these strength-based assessments highlight the importance of muscle health in living a longer, healthier life.