Influence of dynapenic obesity on inflammation and muscle quality in oldest-old patients

Abstract

Introduction: Aging is associated with a decrease in strength (dynapenia) and an increase in body fat. Both obesity and dynapenia negatively influence health in the oldest old. When these two variables coexist, called dynapenic obesity (DO), these further harms the older adult's health. Objective: To verify the influence of dynapenic obesity on inflammation, physical performance, and muscle quality in the oldest old with and without DO. Methods: Forty-six oldest old participants were included in this study, and sociodemographic, muscle strength, body composition, physical performance, and cytokine data were collected. The sample was divided into DO and control groups to compare the variables. Results: The DO group had higher levels of inflammation, lower levels of absolute handgrip strength, and field muscle quality index than the control group, but with no difference in physical performance or laboratory muscle quality index. Conclusion: Therefore, this study points to dynapenic obesity as an important variable that should be evaluated and considered in the oldest old to prevent possible adverse outcomes in this population.