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Relationship between body composition changes and changes in physical function and metabolic risk factors in aging.
1Department of Nutrition Sciences, Division of Physiology and Metabolism, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35226-3360, USA. mpstonge@uab.edu
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|August 5, 2005
Summary
Aging leads to increased fat mass and decreased muscle mass, impacting physical function and metabolic health. More precise body composition measurements are needed to understand these changes and inform interventions for healthy aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Human Physiology
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Aging is associated with significant alterations in body composition.
- These changes can influence physical function and increase metabolic risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on age-related body composition changes.
- To examine the relationship between these changes, physical function, and metabolic risk.
Main Methods:
- Review of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.
- Analysis of data on fat mass, lean tissue mass, and organ fat.
- Assessment of physical function and metabolic risk factors.
Main Results:
- Older adults exhibit increased fat mass and decreased muscle/lean mass, often without significant weight change.
- Increased intramyocellular and liver fat observed in older adults.
- Limited longitudinal data and precise body composition measurements hinder detailed understanding.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for more detailed body composition assessments in aging populations.
- Subcompartment changes may be masked by stable total body composition, impacting health.
- Intervention studies are necessary to identify strategies for maintaining body composition and promoting healthy aging.