Associations between Body Mass Index and Probable Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

(1) Background/Objectives: The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and probable sarcopenia, a precursor to sarcopenia diagnosis, is unclear. While low BMI has been associated with sarcopenia risk, some evidence suggests that obesity may confer protection. We aimed to investigate the association between probable sarcopenia and BMI and, furthermore, to explore associations with waist circumference (WC). (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study included 5783 community-dwelling adults (mean age 70.4 ± 7.5 years) from Wave 6 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Probable sarcopenia was defined using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) criteria for low hand grip strength and/or slow chair rise. Associations between BMI and probable sarcopenia were examined using multivariable regression analysis and were similarly performed for WC. (3) Results: Our overall findings show that an underweight BMI was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of probable sarcopenia [OR (CI) 2.25 (1.17, 4.33), p = 0.015]. For higher BMI categories, the findings were conflicting. Overweight and obesity were associated with an increased likelihood of probable sarcopenia when defined by lower limb strength alone, [OR (CI), 2.32 (1.15, 4.70), p = 0.019; 1.23 (1.02, 1.49), p = 0.35, and 1.49 (1.21, 1.83), p < 0.001, respectively]. In contrast, overweight and obesity appeared protective when probable sarcopenia was assessed by low hand grip strength alone [OR (CI) 0.72 (0.60, 0.88), p = 0.001, and 0.64 (0.52, 0.79), p < 0.001, respectively]. WC was not significantly associated with probable sarcopenia on multivariable regression analysis. (4) Conclusion: This study supports the evidence that low BMI is associated with an increased likelihood of probable sarcopenia, highlighting an important at-risk group. The findings for overweight and obesity were inconsistent and may be measurement dependent. It seems prudent that all older adults at risk of probable sarcopenia, including those with overweight/obesity, are assessed to prevent underdetection of probable sarcopenia alone or with the double burden of obesity.

Prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia among older adults in a post-acute hospital in Singapore

“…Higher hip circumference being a surrogate measure of gluteal musculature is understandably inversely associated with sarcopenia [ 19 , 74 – 76 ]. In addition, our study finds that a higher BMI is also protective of sarcopenia similar to other studies [ 18 , 77 – 79 ].…”

“…illustrates the characteristics of our participants with corresponding unadjusted odds ratios of sarcopenia. The median age of participants was 75 years old [IQR:[70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81], with more females [60.3%] than male participants, and majority [93%] were Chinese. Slightly more than half [56.1%] were currently married.…”

Predictors for Failed Removal of Nasogastric Tube in Patients With Brain Insult

“…Our study highlighted the significant impact of being underweight on the failure of NGT removal. A BMI below 20 is widely acknowledged as an indicator of malnutrition, and a low BMI is correlated with a higher probability of probable sarcopenia [24,25]. Previous studies have also indicated a link between malnutrition and dysphagia [26], and there is evidence of a relationship between sarcopenia and decreased swallowing function, particularly among older adults in Japan [27].…”

Combined effect of age and body mass index on postoperative mortality and morbidity in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients

“…Similarly, sarcopenia was associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery (22). However, caution is needed, as the relationship between sarcopenia and BMI is complex (23).…”