What is Sarcopenic Obesity?

Sarcopenic obesity can be considered as a combination of two disease states, sarcopenia and obesity, both becoming increasingly common in the elderly. Sarcopenia is quite common as age advances, with decrease in muscle mass, strength or function. Obesity characterized by increased body mass index, with high body fat is also common with increasing age, though not always. Sarcopenic obesity is an increasing concern for senior citizens, which can affect their mobility and overall health. One study quotes the highest rate of sarcopenic obesity of 14.4% among Asian males [1]. Multiple factors involved in the pathogenesis of sarcopenic obesity include aging, lack of physical activity, malnutrition, vitamin imbalances, insulin resistance and hormonal changes leading to changes in body composition.

Individuals with sarcopenia have reduced endurance, lower speed of walking, imbalance with higher risk of falls and loss of muscle size. They have difficulty in climbing stairs and with activities of daily life [2]. Add on to it, the problems of obesity with shortness of breath, joint and back pain, snoring, undue fatigue and perspiration. The sum total would be the features of sarcopenic obesity. It setups a vicious cycle of reduced physical activity enhancing sarcopenia and obesity. Regular exercise can reduce loss of muscle mass and improve muscle strength. Though caloric restriction is needed to control obesity, caution is needed as weight loss by diet changes can cause loss of muscle mass along with weight loss.

References

1. Jeng C, Zhao LJ, Wu K, Zhou Y, Chen T, Deng HW. Race and socioeconomic effect on sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in the Louisiana Osteoporosis Study (LOS). JCSM Clin Rep. 2018 Jul-Dec;3(2):e00027. PMID: 31463425; PMCID: PMC6712972.
2. Andrew D. Ardeljan, Razvan Hurezeanu. Sarcopenia. StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available at:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560813/