Sarcopenic Obesity: Time to Meet the Challenge.

Area of Science:

• Metabolic diseases
• Obesity research
• Skeletal muscle physiology

Background:

• Obesity is a global epidemic linked to metabolic diseases, organ failure, and cancer.
• Weight loss therapies can negatively impact muscle mass and function, especially with co-existing chronic diseases.
• Low muscle mass in obese individuals is associated with poor prognosis, frailty, and increased mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the clinical and scientific priority of sarcopenic obesity.
• To address the lack of consensus on sarcopenic obesity definition, diagnosis, and treatment.
• To call for coordinated action to improve understanding and management of sarcopenic obesity.

Main Methods:

• Review of emerging evidence on sarcopenic obesity.
• Identification of knowledge gaps in prevalence, clinical impact, and treatment.
• Consensus building initiative by ESPEN and EASO.

Main Results:

• Sarcopenic obesity is under-recognized, with limited data on its prevalence and impact.
• Current definitions and diagnostic criteria for sarcopenic obesity are insufficient.
• Optimal nutritional strategies for preserving muscle mass in obese individuals are undefined.

Conclusions:

• Sarcopenic obesity represents a significant, yet under-addressed, clinical challenge.
• Consensus on definition, diagnosis, and treatment, particularly nutritional therapy, is crucial.
• Addressing sarcopenic obesity can reduce morbidity and mortality in the obese population.