Associated factors with sarcopenia among Mexican elderly: 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey

Sarcopenia involves the loss of skeletal muscle mass and age-related functionality; it diminishes physical independence, health and quality of life. In 2016 it was added to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Information about the frequency of sarcopenia among Mexican older adults is scarce. The objective was to analyze associated factors with sarcopenia in Mexican older adults through the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey data.

Cross-sectional study which included subjects of 60 years of age or more with simultaneous information on health and anthropometry questionnaires from the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey. Sarcopenia was diagnosed through a gait speed test and calf circumference. It was assessed the prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with sociodemographic characteristics and variables related to health, tobacco use and alcohol consumption. The analysis was performed with SPSS v. 16.

We analyzed a sample of 5046 older adults who represented 7 439 686 older adults nationwide. Among subjects 53.9% (n = 2718) were women (mean age 69.92 ± 7.56 years) and 46.1% (n = 2328), men (mean age 70.43 ± 7.73 years). Prevalence of presarcopenia was 8.70% and sarcopenia, 13.30%.

Sarcopenia was more prevalent in women and it increases with age. It has a significant relationship with falls, cognitive impairment, central obesity and high levels of marginalization.