Protein Supplements and Exercise for Sarcopenic Obesity: Benefits and Negative Effects

Abstract

Background Protein supplements are commonly utilized by elderly persons who are suffering from sarcopenic obesity. Despite its popularity, however, there is currently a paucity of clear evidence on the possible benefits and negative effects of protein supplements and exercise on sarcopenic obesity (SO). Objective Thus, we wanted to see how protein supplementation and exercise affected older persons with sarcopenic obesity. Method A thorough database search was carried out to look for randomised controlled trials, quasi experimental studies, and pre-post research designs addressing the effects of protein supplementation on reducing sarcopenic obesity in older persons. This scoping review was carried out via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases using PRISMA-Scr protocols. Two independent reviewers conducted a thorough systematic screening approach to determine record eligibility. Results Seven papers met the inclusion criteria out of the 1,811 citations found. Six of the investigations were randomized controlled trials, while one was a pre-post test study. The majority of research addressed the usage of protein supplements as well as exercise training. The protein intake for the intervention group in the included trials ranged from 1.0 to 1.8 g/kg/BW/day, while the duration of exercise conducted ranged from 2 to 3 times per week, with each session lasting 1 hour. Whey protein supplementation has been demonstrated to improve sarcopenic symptoms and weight status in SO people. The combination of resistance training and protein supplementation produced additional benefits in terms of lean muscle mass as well as biomarkers. The study also discovered a lack of uniformity in exercise design among sarcopenic obesity therapies. Conclusion Overall, the combination of resistance training and whey protein supplementation appears to be a good alternative for SO persons seeking to enhance their sarcopenic state and weight status. It does, however, underline the need for prudence when it comes to high protein consumption prescription. Given the scarcity of studies in this area, more research into the appropriate exercise plan for this demographic is necessary.