Sarcopenia in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women in a Tropical Country [ID: 1377057

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Improving health services worldwide has led to a gradually aging population. Sarcopenia has been identified as an important contributor to health costs in elderly women in developed countries. The lifestyle and access to medical services is vastly different in the developing countries like India. The present research was conducted to study the status of sarcopenia among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women of India. METHODS: Institutional review board approval for the study was obtained from institutional ethical committee. Women aged 40 years or more, having no complaints, and coming to hospital as companions were enrolled after taking consent. A detailed history was taken and activity levels were classified according to the ICATUS 2016 (International Classification for Time-Use Statistics). Muscle strength was evaluated by handgrip strength, gait speed, and appendicular skeletal mass measurement. Serum estradiol, vitamin D3, fasting plasma glucose, and fasting insulin levels were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 50 women were enrolled. 80% (n=40) of women had a sedentary lifestyle while the remaining reported light activity. Sarcopenia was noted in 16% (n=8) and showed a significant association with increasing age (P<.001). None of the women less than 62 years of age had sarcopenia. All women with sarcopenia had a sedentary lifestyle. Women with low body mass index were more likely to have sarcopenia. Low serum estradiol and serum vitamin D3 levels were significantly correlated to sarcopenia (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is an emerging problem. Counseling of women for good nutrition and an active lifestyle can help prevent or delay the onset of sarcopenia. Poor nutrition status of women in developing countries needs to be addressed to combat the problem.