Screening for sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in Scottish community-dwellers >65 years

Abstract

Rationale: Sarcopenia, obesity and sarcopenic obesity (SO) are recognised as major public health concerns affecting older adults’ health and quality of life, however identifying and managing these conditions can be challenging due to a plethora of different definition criteria [1], [2]. This study aimed to screen for sarcopenia, obesity and SO, in independent-living older Scottish adults using two different criteria.

Methods: Dual frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to estimate body composition, hand grip dynamometry to measure strength. Sarcopenia was defined: skeletal muscle index <6.76 kg*m−2 (f ) and <10.76 kg*m−2 (m) and handgrip strength <20 kg (f ) and <30 kg (m) [1]; Obesity a) BMI > 30 kg*m−2 or b) percent body fat >40% (f ) and >28% (m) [3].

Results: One hundred and eight people, median (IQR) age 70 (67, 75) years and BMI 26.9 (24.0, 31.0) kg*m−2 participated. Sixty-three percent (raised %BF) vs 27.8% (BMI > 3 g*m−2 ) were classed as obese; 12% were SO (%BF) vs 4.6% SO (BMI > 30 kg*m2 ) (Table 1).

Conclusion: BMI underestimates body fat in older adults and thus underestimates SO. Sarcopenia and SO may be higher in Scottish adults >65 y than other UK studies (sarcopenia 4.6– 0.9%) [4] and European countries (SO 0–2.3%) [5].