Abstract
Little remains known regarding the impact of weight loss on sarcopenic obesity (SO), and for this reason we aimed to assess the relationship between the two during a weight management program. Body composition was measured at baseline and six-month follow-up using the Tanita BC-418, and step measurements were obtained daily over a period of six months using an Omron HJ-320 pedometer, in 41 adults of both genders with obesity. The participants were then categorized according to the presence or absence of SO. After a significant weight loss, an improvement in the appendicular skeletal mass (ASM) to weight ratio (24.5 ± 3.5 vs. 26.2 ± 3.6, p < 0.01), indicated a decrease in the prevalence of SO by 12.2%. Moreover, these findings were confirmed by logistic regression analysis revealing a significant WL% ≥ 5% combined with an active lifestyle (i.e., ≥8000 steps/day), decreased the risk of SO by 91% (OR = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02–0.56), after adjusting for age and gender. In conclusion, in a weight management setting, a personalized program for individuals with SO that incorporates new strategies in terms of weight loss and physical activity targets may be adopted to improve the sarcopenia-related index and reduce the prevalence of SO in this population.
Highlights
Scientific societies primarily concerned with clinical nutrition and obesity recently declared that sarcopenic obesity (SO) [1]—as first defined by Baumgartner [2] and later by others [3–5] as represented by the co-existence of excess weight and sarcopenia—should be considered a clinical research priority [1]
Our study aimed to provide data on the impact of a short-term weight loss program– based on cognitive behavioral treatment that incorporated a low-calorie diet combined with an active lifestyle—on SO in overweight or obese adults
Sarcopenia affects only a subgroup of individuals with obesity, but the reason behind this remains unclear. These individuals are more likely to have an abnormal accumulation of fat commonly associated with a significant release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, higher oxidative stress, and reduced anabolic action of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) on skeletal muscle, and may lead to sarcopenia [10]
Summary
Scientific societies primarily concerned with clinical nutrition and obesity recently declared that sarcopenic obesity (SO) [1]—as first defined by Baumgartner [2] and later by others [3–5] as represented by the co-existence of excess weight (i.e., an increase in body fat mass deposition) and sarcopenia (i.e., a decrease in muscle mass and strength)—should be considered a clinical research priority [1]. The reasons behind this recommendation stem from the fact that, firstly, patients with SO appear to have a higher risk of cardio-metabolic diseases and psychosocial comorbidities as well as mortality when compared to their counterparts without SO [6–13]. As a consequence of the diverse methodologies employed and the results observed, no clear conclusions were drawn, especially in terms of recommendations [20]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
