Video of Liam Hoekstra aged 3 who has a rare genetic condition called myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy which results in increased muscle mass and reduced body fat. Liam Hoekstra is known as the world's strongest toddler. After The Chronicle featured Liam in an article in 2005, he has been the subject of a Japanese television documentary on rare medical conditions. A British documentary crew is coming in February to film Liam Hoekstra in action and the National Geographic Channel is considering doing a segment on Liam as well. Myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy, or muscle enlargement, is an extremely rare genetic condition. It promotes above-average growth of the skeletal muscles without harming the heart or causing other negative side effects. Liam Hoekstra is slightly smaller than average for his age but is projected to reach a height of around five-feet, nine-inches tall by the time he's done growing. His mother said his muscle condition will become evident when Liam begins adding weight and lifting weights in his teen years. Scientists are studying other people with myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy in an effort to understand the mysteries of muscle growth and deterioration. Research on adults who share Liam's condition could lead to new treatments for debilitating ailments, such as muscular dystrophy and osteoporosis. Also see Liam Hoekstra Part 2 - 3 - 4, and 5

Category: Interesting Facts and Statistics

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