An Indian Consensus on Sarcopenia: Epidemiology, Etiology, Clinical Impact, Screening, and Therapeutic Approaches

The burden of sarcopenia in India continues to be of significant concern. Its diagnosis is challenging due to the lack of standardized cutoffs for assessing muscle strength, quantity, and function among Indians. This consensus aims to identify features of sarcopenia in Indians and provide culturally relevant recommendations for its management. An expert panel from diverse medical specialties across India arrived at a consensus using the modified Delphi method. The panel recommended that a baseline handgrip strength (HGS) cutoff value of <27.5 kg in males and 18.0 kg in females be defined as low muscle strength for the Indian population. All patients with comorbidities should be screened for sarcopenia. In people with sarcopenia, resistance exercise and nutrition with specialized nutrients such as protein, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), and micronutrients for at least 3 months were recommended as key interventions.