Factors associated with skeletal muscle mass, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity in older adults: a multi‐continent study

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with low skeletal muscle mass (SMM), sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity using nationally representative samples of people aged ≥65 years from diverse geographical regions of the world.MethodsData were available for 18 363 people aged ≥65 years who participated in the Collaborative Research on Ageing in Europe survey conducted in Finland, Poland, and Spain, and the World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health survey conducted in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa, between 2007 and 2012. A skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was created to reflect SMM. SMM, SMI, and percent body fat (%BF) were calculated with specific indirect population formulas. These estimates were based on age, sex, weight, height, and race. Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity were defined with specific cut‐offs.ResultsThe prevalence of sarcopenia ranged from 12.6% (Poland) to 17.5% (India), and that of sarcopenic obesity ranged from 1.3% (India) to 11.0% (Spain). Higher %BF was associated with lower SMM in all countries, and with sarcopenia in five countries (p < 0.001). Compared to high levels of physical activity, low levels were related with higher odds for sarcopenia [OR 1.36 (95%CI 1.11–1.67)] and sarcopenic obesity [OR 1.80 (95%CI 1.23–2.64)] in the overall sample. Also, a dose‐dependent association between higher numbers of chronic diseases and sarcopenic obesity was observed.ConclusionsPhysical activity and body composition changes such as high %BF are key factors for the prevention of sarcopenia syndrome.

Calf circumference: clinical validation for evaluation of muscle mass in the elderly

“…Muscle mass was defined by the Appendicular Muscle Mass (MMA), which is estimated by the sum of the fat-free mass of the arms and legs. The decrease in muscle mass was defined by the Appendicular Muscle Mass Index (IMMA), ratio between MMA and height squared (3,15) . The cutoff point for low muscle mass was 7.26 kg/m 2 in men and 5.45 kg/m 2 in women (15) .…”

“…The decrease in muscle mass was defined by the Appendicular Muscle Mass Index (IMMA), ratio between MMA and height squared (3,15) . The cutoff point for low muscle mass was 7.26 kg/m 2 in men and 5.45 kg/m 2 in women (15) . Calf circumference (CC) was measured with inelastic tape with the elderly in the upright position, feet 20 cm apart, at the maximum circumference in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal line of the calf (33) .…”

“…Despite its importance in clinical nursing practice in the care of the elderly, the evaluation of muscle mass is a challenge in the health services, since its determination requires high cost exams such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography (11)(12) . Extensive epidemiological studies (5,(13)(14)(15)(16) used Dual Energy X-Ray Absortometry (DEXA) as a reference method to estimate muscle mass, and this method was recommended by the European Consensus of Sarcopenia (3) and for use in scenarios of clinical practice (12,17) . However, despite its accuracy and accuracy, in developing countries, such as Brazil, its use is expensive both in primary and secondary care services.…”

Physical Performance in Elderly Outpatients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism Compared with Euthyroid Counterparts

“…More recently Tyrvolas et al [24] reported a prevalence of sarcopenia of 16.7% in Mexicans over 64 years; two thirds of this being sarcopenic obesity. Sarcopenia associates with impairment [8].…”

Considering technique of assessment and method for normalizing skeletal muscle mass

“…also reported that muscle mass normalized to height‐squared may underestimate sarcopenia particularly in the setting of excess adiposity 4. Sarcopenic obesity was first defined by Baumgartner, who represents a reduced skeletal muscle mass coupled with an increase in fat mass 5, 6, 7. Sarcopenic obesity specifically was highly prevalent among persons with CKD and not those without CKD 8.…”