Study Reveals Link Between Sarcopenic Obesity and Increased Mortality Risk

Recent research suggests that patients with sarcopenic obesity (SO) face a higher risk of premature death, highlighting the importance of screening for muscle function to identify individuals at risk and intervene early. The study, conducted by a team of researchers primarily based in the Netherlands, sheds light on the potentially life-threatening consequences of undiagnosed conditions like sarcopenia and SO among older adults.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open and led by Dr. Yves Boirie of the Human Nutrition Unit at Université Clermont Auvergne in Clermont-Ferrand, France, evaluated data from 5,888 individuals participating in a population-based cohort study in the Netherlands. The participants, predominantly of European descent, had a mean age of 69.5 years, with a slight majority being female.

Using measurements of handgrip strength and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans, the researchers identified individuals with sarcopenia and SO. Sarcopenia was defined by low handgrip strength and confirmed with low appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, while SO was characterized by a body mass index (BMI) over 27, along with low handgrip strength, high fat percentage, or low appendicular skeletal muscle index.

During the 10-year follow-up period, participants with probable and confirmed sarcopenia faced a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to those without the condition. Similarly, individuals with SO, especially those with both components of altered body composition, had a substantially elevated risk of mortality.

Dr. Boirie and colleagues emphasized the potential implications of their findings for clinical practice. Screening for SO could be integrated into primary care settings, allowing for early identification and intervention. Nonpharmacologic approaches such as nutrition and exercise training could play a crucial role in delaying the onset of sarcopenia and managing SO, thereby reducing the risk of mortality among affected individuals.

However, the study had limitations, including the lack of specific data on causes of death and the predominantly European ancestry of the participants, which limits the generalizability of the results.

The study was funded by several organizations, including the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development, the French National Research Agency, and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. Various authors disclosed receiving grants from research agencies, while others reported affiliations with pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Nutricia Research. These disclosures underscore the importance of transparency in scientific research and potential conflicts of interest.