Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity

Abstract

Sarcopenia is an age-associated loss of muscle mass and decline in muscle strength; it is common in older adults and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite its prevalence, there is currently no universally adopted definition of sarcopenia. In addition to low muscle mass measurements, recent research has recognized the importance of muscle strength and physical performance. Aging induces changes in body composition, such as an increase in visceral fat and reduced muscle mass. Recently, the new concept of sarcopenic obesity has emerged, reflecting a combination of sarcopenia and obesity. The rapidly increasing prevalence and serious consequences of sarcopenic obesity are recognized as a critical public health risk in the aging society. Sarcopenia and obesity share several pathophysiological mechanisms, and they may potentiate each other. The present paper reviews the definitions and techniques used to measure sarcopenia, as well as the health outcomes of sarcopenic obesity. It also highlights the role of diminished muscle mass and strength in cardiometabolic disease mortality. Additional research may be needed to promote the identification and management of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in the elderly population.

The association of low muscle mass with soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE): The Korean Sarcopenic Obesity Study (KSOS)

“…Decreased muscle mass and/or strength has been a major focus of aging research since Irwin Rosenberg proposed the term sarcopenia in 1989. Despite the social, economic, and clinical importance of sarcopenia, a unified definition of sarcopenia has not been established . Recently, to address this important gap, the FNIH Sarcopenia Project has developed new consensus criteria for a clinical diagnosis of sarcopenia .…”

Sarcopenic obesity predicts nonremission of late‐life depression

“…Since skeletal muscle has a role in metabolic processes, sarcopenia could also adversely affect mental function via metabolic and endocrine mechanisms. 22 Supposed mechanisms might be a lowgrade inflammatory process, 12,23 insulin resistance, 14 and leptin resistance, 43 central obesity may negatively affect muscle strength through the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and stimulation of the IL-6 pathway. 12 Low levels of inflammation, for example, IL-6 and CRP, are also associated with depression.…”

“…14 Proposed mechanisms underlying this vicious circle between muscle loss and obesity are insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal changes. 14 Skeletal muscle mass widely differs between obese persons, and low muscle mass is associated with specific health risks. 8,15 Sarcopenic obesity has been associated with metabolic and functional impairments as well as increased mortality rates.…”

Identifying subgroups of obesity using the product of triglycerides and glucose: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2008–2010

“…Body mass index (BMI) has been widely used to define obesity, although identical BMI values do not necessarily indicate the same degree of adiposity . Recent observations suggest that subgroups of obesity exist that deviate from the expected dose–response relationship between BMI and metabolic disturbances …”