Rationale: Sarcopenia and obesity are prevalent conditions and are both associated with negative health outcomes. ESPEN and EASO reached consensus on the definition and diagnostic criteria for sarcopenic obesity (SO) encompassing indicators fat mass, muscle mass, and muscle function. However, few studies report on the effect of lifestyle interventions on these SO indicators. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of combined lifestyle interventions on SO indicators and on a composite SO index.Methods: Analyses were performed on two pooled RCT’s (MPS, PROBE) in older adults with obesity participating in a 13-wk program targeting weight loss while preserving muscle mass, providing a combination of caloric restriction, higher protein intake and resistance exercise training. SO indicators measured at baseline and post-intervention included 5x chair stand test (CST) in seconds for muscle function, fat mass percentage (FM%) and appendicular lean mass divided by body weight (ALM/W) using DXA. The SO index was calculated using sex-specific z-scores: -CST(s) + ALM/W – FM%; higher scores indicating better muscle function and body composition. Mixed model analyses were performed to assess the changes from baseline to post-intervention, adjusted for sex and age.Results: A total of 154 participants (age 65±6y; 59% male, BMI 33.1±4.3kg/m2) were included. After the 13-wk lifestyle interventions, weight (-2.87kg 95%CI -4.16;-1.64) and FM% (-1.81% 95%CI -2.42;-1.21) decreased significantly, CST improved significantly (-1.51s 95%CI -2.02;-1.00) from baseline and ALM/W was maintained (0kg/kg 95%CI 0.01;0.01). The SO index improved (+1.16 z-score 95%CI 0.86;1.44).Conclusion: Lifestyle interventions combining nutrition & exercise improved individual SO indicators and the SO index in older adults with obesity. The SO index could be a useful and sensitive criterion in the prevention and management of sarcopenic obesity.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sarcopenic obese in older ICU patients may have a higher risk of poor recovery during and after ICU stay, which may lead to longer hospital stay and poor quality of life. In this review, causes, consequences, and nutrition strategies to combat sarcopenic obesity in the ICU are discussed.RECENT FINDINGS: Physical inactivity, inflammation, anabolic resistance, as well as disturbances in hormone levels are, important causes for the strongly accelerated decline in muscle mass and muscle strength in ICU patients. These causes may lead to changes in amino acid metabolism and anabolic resistance. Obese individuals show specific muscle characteristics (e.g. adipose infiltration, lower capillary density) which are associated with impaired functionality. Specific energy and protein intake recommendations are needed to attenuate sarcopenic obesity in ICU patients.SUMMARY: Nutrient utilization in sarcopenic obese ICU patients is a complex challenge as many metabolic factors and clinical situations may impact the efficacy of nutritional interventions. Nutritional strategies should consist of high-protein and hypocaloric feeding along with nonprotein sources such as vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, or physical activity. There is a great need, however, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) combining various nutritional strategies with physical activity in sarcopenic obese ICU patients.
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The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) launched the Sarcopenic Obesity Global Leadership Initiative (SOGLI) to reach expert consensus on a definition and diagnostic criteria for Sarcopenic Obesity (SO). The present paper describes the proceeding of the Sarcopenic Obesity Global Leadership Initiative (SOGLI) meeting that was held on November 25th and 26th, 2022 in Rome, Italy. This consortium involved the participation of 50 researchers from different geographic regions and countries. The document outlines an agenda advocated by the SOGLI expert panel regarding the pathophysiology, screening, diagnosis, staging and treatment of SO that needs to be prioritized for future research in the field.
