Sarcopenic obesity: An appraisal of the current status of knowledge and management in elderly people

Abstract

Today's increased life expectancy highlights both age-related changes in body composition and a higher prevalence of obesity. Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is assuming a prominent role in cardio-metabolic risk because of the double metabolic burden derived from low muscle mass (sarcopenia) and excess adiposity (obesity). This review evaluates the related studies that have been published over the past 10 years in order to give an updated overview of this new syndrome. There is no consensus on the definition of SO due to the wide heterogeneity of diagnostic criteria and choice of body composition components needed to assess this phenotype. There is a growing body of evidence that the ethio-pathogenesis of SO is complex and multi-factorial, as the consequences are a combination of the outcomes of both sarcopenia and obesity, where the effects are maximised. In order to manage SO, it is important to make lifestyle changes that incorporate weight loss, physical exercise and protein supplementation.

Associations between sleep conditions and body composition states: results of the EPISONO study

“…Body composition assessment was performed by a direct segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) using InBody720 (Biospace Ltd, Seoul, Korea). Eight tactile electrodes (four in contact with the palm and thumb of hands and four in contact with the sole of feet) measured the impedance of each body segment at six different frequencies (1,5,50,250, 500, and 1000 kHz) separately. The measurements were controlled by a microprocessor, and data output was calculated by a manufacturer's algorithm and included total and appendicular skeletal muscle and fat masses.…”

“…As a result, muscle loss and body fat accumulation lead to an increased risk of sarcopenia and obesity, contributing to adverse health‐related outcomes in advanced ages . More recently, the co‐presence of sarcopenia and obesity, known as sarcopenic obesity (SO), has been considered a more deleterious body composition phenotype . In addition to a myriad of cardiometabolic outcomes related to the effects of fat tissue, higher proportions of fat mass might further affect muscle quality and increase the risk of disability and mortality .…”

“…3,4 More recently, the co-presence of sarcopenia and obesity, known as sarcopenic obesity (SO), has been considered a more deleterious body composition phenotype. 5 In addition to a myriad of cardiometabolic outcomes related to the effects of fat tissue, higher proportions of fat mass might further affect muscle quality and increase the risk of disability and mortality. 6 The pathophysiological aspects explaining both muscle decline and body fat accumulation are multifactorial, and the mechanisms responsible for these changes are still under investigation.…”

Association of Anthropometric and Nutrition Status Indicators with Hand Grip Strength and Gait Speed in Older Adults

“…Undernutrition risk and undernutrition evaluated by the Mini‐Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA‐SF) affect approximately 60% of institutionalized older adults and 11% of those living in the community . Their coexistence with obesity is becoming an important public health problem because the prevalence of obesity has been increasing among older adults …”

“…5 Their coexistence with obesity is becoming an important public health problem because the prevalence of obesity has been increasing among older adults. 6 The connection between functionality and nutrition status is of growing interest in older adults. 7 Because physical impairment is potentially preventable and reversible, functional and nutrition status assessment are of major relevance in identifying both early stages of related conditions and results of clinical interventions.…”