Identification of factors associated with sarcopenic obesity development: Literature review and expert panel voting

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Metabolic Health
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Sarcopenic obesity (SO) combines excess adiposity with diminished muscle mass and function.
• Understanding SO's contributing factors is crucial for effective prevention and diagnosis.
• Existing literature and expert opinions offer insights into SO's complex etiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile a comprehensive list of factors associated with sarcopenic obesity through literature analysis.
• To identify clinical conditions linked to SO development.
• To evaluate the relevance of these factors and identify research gaps via expert consultation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search and analysis of 4746 articles, with 240 selected for factor extraction.
• Classification of identified factors based on their frequency in published research.
• Expert panel review to assess factor relevance and suggest additional contributors to SO.

Main Results:

• Thirty-nine unique factors were extracted from literature; eleven additional factors were proposed by experts.
• Literature highlighted insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, lack of exercise, inflammation, and hypertension as frequent SO factors.
• Experts prioritized low physical activity, inadequate protein/energy intake, reduced exercise, and aging as most significant.

Conclusions:

• A consolidated list of factors associated with sarcopenic obesity has been established.
• While literature and expert opinions show some divergence, this list aids in identifying at-risk individuals.
• Further research, including longitudinal and randomized controlled trials, is necessary to confirm causality and refine SO management.