Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity after cholecystectomy: A population-based study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Clinical Nutrition
• Public Health

Background:

• Cholecystectomy is a common surgical procedure.
• Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity are significant health concerns, particularly in aging populations.
• The relationship between cholecystectomy and muscle health remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between a history of cholecystectomy and key indicators of muscle health.
• To examine the link between cholecystectomy and low muscle mass, low muscle strength, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity.

Main Methods:

• A population-based study involving 4,909 participants aged 18-80 years.
• Muscle mass assessed via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; muscle strength measured with an electronic hand dynamometer.
• Logistic regression models used to analyze associations, defining sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity based on established criteria.

Main Results:

• Participants with a history of cholecystectomy showed higher likelihoods of low muscle mass, low muscle strength, and sarcopenia.
• Cholecystectomy performed over seven years prior was associated with increased odds of sarcopenia.
• A positive association was found between cholecystectomy and sarcopenic obesity, irrespective of obesity definition (BMI or body fat percentage).

Conclusions:

• Cholecystectomy is significantly associated with adverse muscle health outcomes, including low muscle mass, low muscle strength, and sarcopenia.
• The findings suggest a potential long-term impact of gallbladder removal on muscle integrity.
• Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms underlying these associations and clinical implications.