Prevalence of Sarcopenic Obesity and its Association with Functionality, Lifestyle, Biomarkers and Morbidities in Older Adults: the FIBRA-RJ Study of Frailty in Older Brazilian Adults

Factors associated with sarcopenic obesity in Brazilian adults and older people: Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

AIM

Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is characterized by the coexistence of the loss of muscle mass and function with excess adipose tissue. Its prevalence has increased concomitantly with population aging, becoming one of the most significant challenges for public health, threatening the quality of life and the physical and mental health of the elderly population.

METHODS

This study estimated the prevalence and factors associated with SO among adults and the elderly in Brazil's macro-regions, utilizing MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the Virtual Health Library databases. Primary outcomes included SO prevalence overall and by subgroups, with secondary outcomes identifying associated factors.

RESULTS

A systematic review of 33 studies with 10 266 participants up to July 2023 showed a 17% prevalence of SO (95% confidence interval: 13-21%), using a random effects meta-analysis. The Central-West region had the highest occurrence (27%). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (26%) and bioimpedance (6%) were the top diagnostic methods. Protective factors were chronic kidney disease and healthy lifestyles; risk factors included socioeconomic status, functionality, lifestyle, biochemical parameters, and comorbidities such as osteoarthritis and apnea.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of SO in Brazil is significant, emerging as a critical public health problem. It is essential to direct attention to changes in prevalence rates in the coming years, given the rising obesity trends and the absolute increase in the elderly population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 661-674.

Prevalence of body composition phenotypes and their associations with glycemic, lipidic, and inflammatory biomarkers: a population-based study

We aimed to verify the prevalence of body composition phenotypes and the association of glycemic, lipidic, and inflammatory biomarkers with such phenotypes. This is a cross-sectional, population-based study, with 720 participants aged 20 to 59 years. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Obesity was defined as body fat percentage ≥ 25% in males and ≥ 32% in females and sarcopenia by appendicular muscle mass index < 7.0kg/m2 in males and < 5.5kg/m2 in females. Sarcopenic obesity (SO) was defined as the presence of both sarcopenia and obesity. The prevalence of obesity, sarcopenia, and SO were 62.5%, 4.5%, and 6.2%, respectively. The association between biomarkers and phenotypes was verified using multinomial logistic regression models adjusted for confounding factors. The models showed that increased glycemia (OR = 3.39; 95%CI: 1.83-6.27), total cholesterol (TC) (OR = 2.24; 95%CI: 1.35-3.70), LDL-c (OR = 1.01; 95%CI: 1.00-1.02), VLDL-c (OR = 1.04; 95%CI: 1.02-1.06), non-HDL-c (OR = 1.02; 95%CI: 1.01-1.03), triglycerides (Tg) (OR = 3.66; 95%CI: 2.20-6.06), and decreased HDL-c (OR = 0.97; 95%CI: 0.95-0.98) were significantly associated with the obesity phenotype. Increased HOMA-IR (OR = 3.94; 95%CI: 1.69-9.21), LDL-c (OR = 1.01; 95%CI: 1.00-1.02), non-HDL-c (OR = 1.01; 95%CI: 1.00-1.02), and hs-CRP (OR = 2.42; 95%CI: 1.04-5.66) were independently associated with SO phenotype. Our findings indicate that increased glycemia, TC, Tg, LDL-c, VLDL-c, non-HDL-c, and decreased HDL-c may be indicators of the obesity phenotype and that increased hs-CRP, HOMA-IR, LDL-c, and non-HDL-c appear to be indicators of the SO phenotype. Those parameters may be used as additional markers for screening.

Prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in the older non-hospitalized population: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenic obesity emerges as a risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes in non-hospitalized older adults, including physical disabilities, metabolic diseases, and even mortality. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigated the overall SO prevalence in non-hospitalized adults aged ≥ 65 years and assessed the sociodemographic, clinicobiological, and lifestyle factors related to SO.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for studies reporting the prevalence of SO from database inception to October 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, evaluated the study quality, and extracted the data. Both fixed- and random-effects models were used in the meta-analysis to estimate the pooled SO prevalence and perform subgroup analyses. Publication and sensitivity bias analyses were performed to test the robustness of the associations.

RESULTS

Among 46 studies eligible for review and a total of 71,757 non-hospitalized older adults, the combined prevalence of SO was 14% (95% CI:11-17%, I2 = 99.5%, P < 0.01). Subgroup analysis according to lifestyle factors demonstrated that the SO prevalence was 17% (95% CI: 8-29%, I2 = 99.5%, P < 0.01) in older adults without exercise habits. Regarding clinicobiological factors, older adults with a history of falls (15% [95% CI: 10-22%, I2 = 82%, P < 0.01]), two or more chronic diseases (19% [95% CI: 10-29%, I2 = 97%, P < 0.01]), functional impairment (33% [95% CI: 29-37%, I2 = 0%, P = 0.95]), cognitive impairment (35% [95% CI: 9-65%, I2 = 83%, P = 0.02]), osteoporosis (20% [95% CI: 8-35%, I2 = 96%, P < 0.01]), high fasting glucose level (17% [95% CI: 1-49%, I2 = 98%, P < 0.01]), or the use of antipsychotics (13% [95% CI: 2-28%, I2 = 0%, P = 0.32]) exhibited a higher SO prevalence.

CONCLUSION

SO prevalence is high among non-hospitalized older adults, especially those with functional and cognitive impairments. Thus, SO is a potential problem for the aging population; implementation of planned interventions in the community is needed to reduce the prevalence and adverse outcomes of SO.

Discovering the Individualized Factors Associated with Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity Phenotypes-A Machine Learning Approach

The literature shows how sarcopenia often occurs along with different phenotypes based either on the concomitant presence of adipose tissue excess (i.e., sarcopenic obesity, SO), or osteopenia/osteoporosis (osteosarcopenia, OS), or the combination of the two conditions, so-called osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO). This research aimed to assess the prevalence of sarcopenia phenotypes (SO, OS, OSO), their associated risk factors and their health impact in a population of out- and inpatients living in the North of Italy. Male and female subjects aged ≥18 years were enrolled for the study. A blood sample was collected to measure targeted blood makers. A comprehensive anthropometric clinical assessment (height, weight, Body Mass Index, BMI and Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, DXA) was performed to measure ponderal, bone, fat, and muscle status. A total of 1510 individuals participated to the study (females, n = 1100; 72.85%). Sarcopenia was the most prevalent phenotype (17%), followed by osteosarcopenia (14.7%) and sarcopenic obesity. Only 1.9% of the sample was affected by OSO. According to logistic regression analysis, sarcopenia was associated with age, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) (positively) and BMI, Iron (Fe), Total Cholesterol, albumin (%), albumin (g), and gamma proteins (negatively). Sarcopenic obesity was associated with age, ferritin, ESR, CRP (positively) and BMI, Fe, and albumin (%) (negatively). Osteosarcopenia was associated with age, ESR (positively) and BMI, Total Cholesterol, albumin (%), albumin (g), and Ca (negatively). Osteosarcopenic obesity was associated with glycemia and gamma-glutamyl transferase (gGT) (positively). According to random forest analysis, a higher BMI was the most important protective factor for sarcopenia, for sarcopenic obesity (along with Iron) and for osteosarcopenia (along with albumin). Moreover, osteosarcopenic obesity was positively associated with GgT and glycaemia. The possibility of gaining such information, especially in the younger population, could help to prevent the onset of such diseases and best fit the patient's needs, according to a precision-medicine approach.

Prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia without obesity and sarcopenic obesity among Chinese community older people in suburban area of Shanghai: A cross-sectional study

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia without obesity (S) and sarcopenic obesity (SO) among community-dwelling older people in the Chongming District of Shanghai, China, according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 Consensus as the diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 1,407 subjects aged ≥65 years were included, where the mean age of the subjects was 71.91 ± 5.59 years and their mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.65 ± 3.32 kg/m². According to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 Consensus, sarcopenia was defined as a low appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (≤7.0 kg/m² in males and ≤5.7 kg/m² in females), decreased handgrip strength (<28.0 kg in males and <18.0 kg in females), and/or low gait speed (<1.0 m/s) or poor 5-time chair stand test (5CST) (≥12s). The SO met both the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia and obesity, meanwhile obesity was defined as an increased percentage of body fat (PBF) (≥25% in males and ≥35% in females). Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the risk factors of both S and SO.

Results

The prevalence of S and SO was 9.74% (M: 9.29%, F: 10.05%) and 9.95% (M: 13.94%, F: 7.14%). Lower BMI (OR = 0.136, 95% CI: 0.054-0.340, p < 0.001), lower hip circumference (OR = 0.858, 95% CI: 0.816-0.903, p < 0.001), farming (OR = 1.632, 95% CI: 1.053-2.530, p = 0.028), higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level (OR = 2.235, 95% CI: 1.484-3.367, p < 0.001), and a sleep duration <7 h (OR = 0.561, 95% CI: 0.346-0.909, p = 0.019) were risk factors for S. While aging (70-74 y, OR = 1.923, 95% CI: 1.122-3.295, p = 0.017; 75-79 y, OR = 3.185, 95% CI: 1.816-5.585, p < 0.001; ≥80 y, OR = 7.192, 95% CI: 4.133-12.513, p < 0.001), male (OR = 1.981, 95% CI: 1.351-2.904, p < 0.001), higher BMI (OR = 4.865, 95% CI: 1.089-21.736, p = 0.038), higher monocyte level (OR = 4.203, 95% CI: 1.340-13.181, p = 0.014), and a sleep duration >9 h (OR = 1.881, 95% CI: 1.117-3.166, p = 0.017) were risk factors for SO.

Conclusion

Our study showed the high prevalence of S and SO among community-dwelling older people in the Chongming District. The SO was more prevalent in males. Behavioral factors and lifestyle (such as farming and sleep duration) were associated more with the development of S, while age and male gender were associated more with the development of SO.

Prevalence of Sarcopenic Obesity in Various Comorbidities, Diagnostic Markers, and Therapeutic Approaches: A Review

The coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity characterizes sarcopenic obesity. In this condition, there is an imbalance between lean and fat mass amounts. It is a prevalent issue that is gaining prevalence among the elderly population. To evaluate the condition, allied health professionals may employ non-invasive diagnostic techniques, such as gait speed, skeletal muscle mass, and muscle strength. Nevertheless, early diagnosis and treatment of pathology are essential for preventing debilitating effects and providing the highest quality of care. This article reviews the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in numerous medical conditions, such as cancer, arthritis, postoperative cases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. In addition, this paper aims to examine the available evidence regarding the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in other conditions along with their diagnostic markers and therapeutic approaches.

Multimodal Diagnostic Approaches to Advance Precision Medicine in Sarcopenia and Frailty

Sarcopenia, defined as the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function with aging, is a geriatric syndrome with important implications for patients and healthcare systems. Sarcopenia increases the risk of clinical decompensation when faced with physiological stressors and increases vulnerability, termed frailty. Sarcopenia develops due to inflammatory, hormonal, and myocellular changes in response to physiological and pathological aging, which promote progressive gains in fat mass and loss of lean mass and muscle strength. Progression of these pathophysiological changes can lead to sarcopenic obesity and physical frailty. These syndromes independently increase the risk of adverse patient outcomes including hospitalizations, long-term care placement, mortality, and decreased quality of life. This risk increases substantially when these syndromes co-exist. While there is evidence suggesting that the progression of sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and frailty can be slowed or reversed, the adoption of broad-based screening or interventions has been slow to implement. Factors contributing to slow implementation include the lack of cost-effective, timely bedside diagnostics and interventions that target fundamental biological processes. This paper describes how clinical, radiographic, and biological data can be used to evaluate older adults with sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity and to further the understanding of the mechanisms leading to declines in physical function and frailty.

Sarcopenic obesity as a determinant of cardiovascular disease risk in older people: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Aging is associated with body composition changes that include a reduction of muscle mass or sarcopenia and an increase in visceral obesity. Thus, aging involves a muscle-fat imbalance with a shift toward more fat and less muscle. Therefore, sarcopenic obesity, defined as a combination of sarcopenia and obesity, is a global health phenomenon due to the increased aging of the population combined with the increased epidemic of obesity. Previous studies have shown inconsistent association between sarcopenic obesity and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

AIMS

To systematically review the recent literature on the CVD risks associated with sarcopenic obesity and summarizes ways of diagnosis and prevention.

METHODS

A systematic review of studies that reported the association between sarcopenic obesity and CVD risk in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations.

RESULTS

Risk factors of sarcopenic obesity included genetic factors, aging, malnutrition, sedentary lifestyle, hormonal deficiencies and other molecular changes. The muscle-fat imbalance with increasing age results in an increase in the pro-inflammatory adipokines secreted by adipocytes and a decline in the anti-inflammatory myokines secreted by myocytes. This imbalance promotes and perpetuates a chronic low-grade inflammatory state that is characteristic of sarcopenic obesity. After application of exclusion criteria, only 12 recent studies were included in this review. The recent studies have shown a consistent association between sarcopenic obesity and cardiovascular disease risk although most of the studies are of cross-sectional design that does not confirm a causal relationship. In addition, most of the population studied were of Asian origin which may limit the generalizability of the results. Non-pharmacological interventions by exercise training and adequate nutrition appear to be useful in maintenance of muscle strength and muscle mass in combination with a reduction of adiposity to promote healthy aging.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenic obesity appears to increase the risk of CVD in older people; however, future prospective studies of diverse population are still required. Although non-pharmacologic interventions are useful in reducing the risk of sarcopenic obesity, novel specific pharmacologic agents are lacking.

Global prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Sarcopenic obesity (SO), which refers to the coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity. It can lead to physical disability, morbidity, and even mortality. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the global prevalence of SO in older adults.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies reporting the prevalence of SO from inception to December 2020. Two researchers independently screened the literature, evaluated study quality, and extracted data. A random-effects model was used to pool the estimates for the prevalence of SO. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression analysis were conducted. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and the Egger test. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata 15.0 software.

RESULTS

This review included 50 studies, we found that the global prevalence of SO in older adults was 11%. Subgroup analyses showed that the prevalence of SO was higher among studies using diagnostic criteria of muscle mass alone (15%) to diagnose sarcopenia, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (15%) to assess muscle mass, and those focused on age ≥ 75 years old (23%), hospitalized (16%), South Americans (21%) and North Americans (19%). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of SO among studies using body fat percentage (10%), body mass index (13%), waist circumference (16%) to diagnose obesity and in female (14%), male (10%) patients. Sensitivity analysis showed that none of the studies affected the overall pooled results. Meta-regression analysis found that publication year, geographical region, study setting, and the diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia were sources of heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis indicated SO affects more than one in ten older adults globally. Therefore, we should attach importance to the screening and early diagnosis of SO in older adults, then selecting appropriate interventions to reduce the occurrence of it and various adverse outcomes in this demographic.

Sarcopenic Obesity in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-The Union of Two Culprits

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) continues to rise and has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease among all ages and ethnicities. Metabolic disorders, such as obesity and insulin resistance, are closely associated with sarcopenia and NAFLD. Sarcopenic obesity is a clinical disorder characterized by the simultaneous loss of skeletal muscle and gain of adipose tissue. It is associated with worse outcomes in individuals with NAFLD. It is projected that NAFLD and sarcopenia will rise as the prevalence of obesity continues to increase at an unparallel rate. Recently, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity have gained considerable interest, but we still lack a well-defined definition and a management approach. Therefore, it is imperative to continue shining the light on this topic and better understand the underlying mechanism as well as treatment options. In this review article, we aimed to address the pathophysiology, impact, and outcomes of sarcopenic obesity on NAFLD.