Plant-based protein for older adults with obesity

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• The global syndemic of obesity, undernutrition, and climate change poses significant risks to human and planetary health.
• Older adults with overweight and obesity face risks of sarcopenia, a condition characterized by muscle loss, leading to sarcopenic obesity.
• Sustainable nutrition is crucial for addressing these interconnected health challenges, particularly in aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the intersection of overweight/obesity, sarcopenia, and sustainable nutrition in older adults.
• To explore strategies for preventing and managing sarcopenic obesity through dietary interventions, focusing on protein intake.
• To assess the role of plant-based protein sources in preserving muscle health during weight management in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on obesity, undernutrition, climate change, sarcopenia, and sustainable nutrition in older adults.
• Analysis of studies on dietary protein quantity, quality, and source (animal vs. plant-based) in relation to muscle protein synthesis.
• Inclusion of qualitative data on dietary behavior change in older adults regarding plant-based protein.

Main Results:

• Preventing sarcopenic obesity requires reducing fat mass while preserving muscle mass through energy restriction, adequate protein intake, and resistance exercise.
• Both protein dose and source significantly impact muscle protein synthesis, with animal proteins showing a modest advantage over most plant-based options.
• Longer-term data on plant-based diets for muscle health in older adults with overweight/obesity are limited, and palatability is a key factor for dietary adherence.

Conclusions:

• A shift towards more plant-based protein sources is necessary for sustainable nutrition and to combat sarcopenic obesity in older adults.
• Ensuring sufficient protein quantity and quality is essential for preserving muscle health during weight loss in this demographic.
• Combining energy restriction with adequate, high-quality protein intake, particularly from plant sources, presents challenges but is vital for managing sarcopenic obesity and promoting health.