Sarcopenic obesity in older adults: aetiology, epidemiology and treatment strategies

• Published in: Nature reviews. Endocrinology Vol. 14; no. 9; pp. 513 - 537
• Main Authors: Batsis, John A., Villareal, Dennis T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 01.09.2018; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 692/163/2743/393; 692/1807/4024; 692/4023/1671/1668/1973; 692/700/478/174; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Aging - metabolism; Aging - physiology; Androgen receptors; Androgens; Body Composition; Body weight loss; Care and treatment; Causes of; Comorbidity; Endocrinology; Epidemiology; Exercise; Exercise - physiology; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gastrointestinal surgery; Health aspects; Humans; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Obesity; Obesity - epidemiology; Obesity - physiopathology; Obesity - therapy; Older people; Physical fitness; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Review Article; Risk Assessment; Risk factors; Sarcopenia; Sarcopenia - epidemiology; Sarcopenia - physiopathology; Sarcopenia - therapy; Weight control; United States
• ISSN: 1759-5029; 1759-5037; 1759-5037
• DOI: 10.1038/s41574-018-0062-9

The prevalence of obesity in combination with sarcopenia (the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength or physical function) is increasing in adults aged 65 years and older. A major subset of adults over the age of 65 is now classified as having sarcopenic obesity, a high-risk geriatric syndrome predominantly observed in an ageing population that is at risk of synergistic complications from both sarcopenia and obesity. This Review discusses pathways and mechanisms leading to muscle impairment in older adults with obesity. We explore sex-specific hormonal changes, inflammatory pathways and myocellular mechanisms leading to the development of sarcopenic obesity. We discuss the evolution, controversies and challenges in defining sarcopenic obesity and present current body composition modalities used to assess this condition. Epidemiological surveys form the basis of defining its prevalence and consequences beyond comorbidity and mortality. Current treatment strategies, and the evidence supporting them, are outlined, with a focus on calorie restriction, protein supplementation and aerobic and resistance exercises. We also describe weight loss-induced complications in patients with sarcopenic obesity that are relevant to clinical management. Finally, we review novel and potential future therapies including testosterone, selective androgen receptor modulators, myostatin inhibitors, ghrelin analogues, vitamin K and mesenchymal stem cell therapy. The prevalence of obesity in combination with sarcopenia is increasing in adults aged 65 years and older. Here, John Batsis and Dennis Villareal explore the sex-specific hormonal changes, inflammatory pathways and myocellular mechanisms that lead to the development of sarcopenic obesity. Key points Body composition changes that occur with the ageing process can lead to sarcopenic obesity, an increasingly prevalent disorder owing to the increased prevalence of obesity in an ageing population. Hormonal, inflammatory and myocellular mechanisms impact underlying biological processes that promote fat deposition and loss of lean mass and strength. Definitions of sarcopenia and obesity can vary considerably, prompting difficulties in the diagnosis and epidemiological understanding of sarcopenic obesity as well as the development of treatment strategies for this disease. Lifestyle interventions including calorie restriction and physical activity consisting of aerobic and resistance exercises are the cornerstones of therapy. Clinicians and researchers need to be aware of weight loss-induced sarcopenia and osteopenia. Novel, promising therapies, including weight loss medications, bariatric surgery, whole-body vibration therapy, periodization (a systematic variation in physical training specificity, intensity and volume within periods), testosterone, selective androgen receptor modulators, anamorelin, myostatin inhibitors, vitamin K and mesenchymal stem cells, require further investigation.