Body mass index and dietary intake as nutritional determinants of sarcopenia in older adults

Sarcopenia is a progressive, age-associated condition marked by loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance, representing a key nutritional and functional problem in aging people. This study examined the relationship of body mass index (BMI) and regular dietary consumption with sarcopenia among older individuals.

This retrospective analysis evaluated routine geriatric assessment data from adults aged ≥60 years obtained between 2021 and 2023. Sarcopenia was determined utilizing international criteria based on appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, handgrip strength, and gait speed. Regular energy, protein (absolute and relative), and fiber ingestion were examined, and relations were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, education, physical activity, and hypertension.

Among 360 individuals, 11.4% were identified as sarcopenic. Those with sarcopenia were older in age, less physically active, and had lesser educational attainment. Sarcopenia was associated with lower BMI, decreased muscle mass, poor handgrip strength, and slower gait speed (all p < 0.001). Regular energy, protein, and fiber consumptions were lower in sarcopenic subjects. In fully adjusted analysis, decreased BMI (OR = 0.64), reduced protein intake (OR = 0.85), decreased fiber intake (OR = 0.70), and lower energy intake (per 100 kcal/day) (OR = 0.67) were independently associated with increased odds of sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia in older individuals is independently associated with lower BMI and insufficient habitual ingestion of energy, protein, and dietary fiber, underscoring the significant associations with overall nutritional status.