Definition and diagnostic criteria for sarcopenic obesity: ESPEN and EASO consensus statement

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and function, is prevalent in obesity due to metabolic issues, sedentary habits, and aging.
• Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is the co-occurrence of excess adiposity and diminished muscle mass/function, increasingly recognized for its negative clinical impact.
• Current lack of a universal definition and diagnostic criteria for SO hinders research and clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a consensus-based definition and diagnostic criteria for sarcopenic obesity (SO).
• To provide a standardized framework for identifying and classifying SO in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• An international expert panel, convened by ESPEN and EASO, developed proposed criteria.
• The proposed definition identifies SO as the co-existence of excess adiposity and low muscle mass/function.
• Diagnostic approach involves screening for obesity indicators, assessing muscle mass/function, and body composition analysis.

Main Results:

• SO is defined as the presence of both excess adiposity and low skeletal muscle mass/function.
• A diagnostic pathway is proposed, starting with muscle function assessment, followed by body composition analysis.
• Individuals with SO can be stratified into Stage I (no complications) or Stage II (with complications).

Conclusions:

• The proposed definition and diagnostic criteria for SO should be adopted into clinical practice.
• Further research, including prospective studies, is needed to validate the clinical utility and impact of the SO definition.