Sarcopenic obesity and physical performance in middle aged women: a cross-sectional study in Northeast Brazil.

Mayle A Moreira,Afshin Vafaei,Saionara M A Da Câmara,Maria Victoria Zunzunegui,Álvaro C C Maciel,Tamyres S Oliveira

doi:10.1186/s12889-015-2667-4

Abstract

BackgroundSarcopenia and obesity have been independently associated with physical function decline, however little information is currently available on the relationship between sarcopenic obesity and physical performance, mainly in middle aged women. The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity and to explore the relationship between sarcopenic obesity and physical performance in middle-aged women from Northeast Brazil.MethodsA cross-sectional study of women (40–65 years) living in Parnamirim, a city in Northeast Brazil (n = 491). Physical performance was assessed by grip strength, knee extensor and flexor strength (isometric dynamometry), gait speed, and chair stands. Using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), appendicular skeletal muscle mass divided by height squared (kg / m2) was used to define sarcopenia. Waist circumference ≥ 88 cm was defined as abdominal obesity. Sarcopenic obesity was defined as the coexistence of obesity and sarcopenia. The physical performance outcomes were regressed in four groups defined by combinations of sarcopenia and obesity, adjusting for potential confounders (age, education and menopausal status).ResultsPrevalence rates of the four obesity-sarcopenia groups were: Sarcopenic obesity (7.1 %), obesity (67.4 %), sarcopenia (12.4 %) and normal (13 %). Women with sarcopenic obesity had significantly lower grip strength, weaker knee extension and flexion and longer time to raise from a chair compared with non-obese and non-sarcopenic women (p.values < 0.001). Except for the chair stands, these statistically significant differences were also found between sarcopenic obese and obese women. There was no significant difference for gait speed across the four groups (p = 0.50).ConclusionSarcopenic obesity was present in 7 % of this population of middle-aged women from Northeast Brazil and it was associated with poor physical performance. Sarcopenic obesity may occur in middle-aged women with performance limitations beyond pure sarcopenia-related muscle mass or obesity alone.

Highlights

Sarcopenia and obesity have been independently associated with physical function decline, little information is currently available on the relationship between sarcopenic obesity and physical performance, mainly in middle aged women
The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity and to explore the relationship between sarcopenic obesity and physical performance in middle-aged women from Northeast Brazil
To be eligible to participate in the study, women had to have at least one ovary, with no pituitary or thyroid alterations, without serious neurological diseases that could prevent them from responding to questions, and be free of painful conditions that could compromise the measurement of physical performance outcomes

Summary

Introduction

Sarcopenia and obesity have been independently associated with physical function decline, little information is currently available on the relationship between sarcopenic obesity and physical performance, mainly in middle aged women. After age 70, this loss rate increases to 15 % per decade [2, 3] These changes have been found in the aging process of both men and women, a decrease in muscle mass does not occur at the same rate and age for both sexes. Menopause occurs during the same middle-aged period and it is associated with the natural decline of estrogen directly reflected in increasing visceral fat mass and decreasing bone density, muscle mass and strength [4]. A higher prevalence of obesity and a decrease in muscle mass are observed during menopause, and these health issues are separately related to a decline in function [5,6,7]

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