Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is a complex metabolic state of the body, attributable to a synergistic combination, mutual reinforcement and aggravation of the pathological mechanisms of sarcopenia and obesity. SO is associated with a decrease in the quality of life, dependence on outside help, an increased risk of disability and premature death. Currently, the urgency of the SO problem is increasing due to the global demographic aging of the population, the high incidence of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), geriatric syndromes of sarcopenia and frailty in the developed countries of the modern world. It is of interest to review current literature data on the prevalence, etiology, pathogenesis, as well as the principles of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of sarcopenic obesity.