Obesity, Muscular Strength, Muscle Composition and Physical Performance in an Elderly Population
F De Stefano1, S Zambon, L Giacometti
1Fabio De Stefano Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università degli Studi di Padova, Clinica Medica I, Policlinico Universitario, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy,: Tel (+39) 049 821 2171, Fax (+39) 049 821 2149
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|July 22, 2015
Summary
Overweight and obese elderly individuals exhibit poorer physical performance, with severe obesity reducing leg strength. Increased fat infiltration in skeletal muscle negatively impacts physical function in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
- Body Composition
Background:
- Aging is associated with changes in body composition, including increased adiposity and potential loss of muscle mass.
- These changes can impact physical function and overall health in older adults.
- Understanding the interplay between body mass index (BMI), muscle characteristics, and physical performance is crucial for promoting healthy aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) categories, muscular strength, skeletal muscle composition, and physical performance in an elderly population.
- To determine how BMI influences physical performance metrics and leg muscular strength.
- To explore the impact of fat infiltration in skeletal muscle on physical function.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Italian subjects from the Progetto Veneto Anziani (ProVA) study (n=2911).
- Physical performance assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB).
- Leg muscular strength measured via dynamometry; skeletal muscle composition and fat distribution analyzed using abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a subsample (n=348).
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between BMI levels and SPPB scores, with normal weight individuals exhibiting the best performance.
- Leg muscular strength was higher in overweight and class I obesity but reduced in class II and III obesity.
- Inverse association observed between SPPB scores and fat infiltration in skeletal muscle, independent of BMI and muscular strength.
Conclusions:
- Overweight and obese elderly individuals demonstrate poorer physical performance.
- Reduced leg strength is primarily evident in cases of severe obesity.
- Increased fat infiltration within skeletal muscle negatively affects physical performance in the elderly.
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