Overview of rehabilitation interventions for ESPEN/EASO-defined sarcopenic obesity: a scoping review

Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is a global concern characterized by the co-existence of sarcopenia and obesity. Although various interventions are recommended for SO, inconsistent definitions represent a barrier to clinical practice. This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of rehabilitation interventions for SO based on the definitions provided by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism and the European Association for the Study of Obesity.

A systematic search was conducted across nine databases, with a final search conducted on February 27, 2024. The eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, and case-control studies without restrictions on language, country, sex, or publication date. The risk-of-bias assessment focused on muscle strength, physical function, and body composition. The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 tool for randomized trials and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for non-randomized studies.

Four randomized controlled trials involving 246 participants were included, all of which were conducted in communities. In addition, three studies comprised exclusively female participants, and all four studies employed resistance exercises. One study used a combination of resistance exercises and nutritional interventions. The overall risk of bias was high for all outcomes.

The reported studies emphasized the limited number of studies covering diverse populations and settings. Further studies with improved methodological rigor are essential to identify effective rehabilitation strategies for SO.

The study protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/wak9n/ ) on January 31, 2024.