Association between triglyceride-glucose index and sarcopenia: a meta-analysis

With accelerating population aging, sarcopenia has become increasingly common in the elderly. Because the triglyceride-glucose index is correlated with sarcopenia, this study aims to investigate the association between the triglyceride-glucose index and sarcopenia.

A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted for relevant studies published up to June 15, 2025. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model in STATA 15.0.

Analysis of 14 studies (n = 82,798) revealed a significant association between the triglyceride- glucose index (TyG index) and sarcopenia (OR = 2.15, 95% CI [1.60-2.89]). A significant correlation was also observed in the TyG quartile groups: Q2 (OR = 1.38, 95% CI [1.08-1.75]), Q3 (OR = 1.64, 95% CI [1.21-2.20]), and Q4 (OR = 1.75, 95% CI [1.21-2.55]). The TyG-BMI index demonstrated a stronger association, with the strength of this association increasing significantly as the quartile level rose Q2 (OR = 2.51, 95% CI [1.55-4.05]); Q3 (OR = 5.01, 95% CI [1.89-13.25]); Q4 (OR = 9.08, 95% CI [2.91-28.37]). Subgroup analyses revealed that the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (AWGS 2019) diagnostic criteria (OR = 5.28, 95% CI [2.27-12.3]), middle-aged individuals (OR = 1.87, 95% CI [1.46-2.42]), individuals with comorbidities (OR = 1.94, 95% CI [1.54-2.44]), and different TyG measurement methods (OR = 2.14, 95% CI [1.24-3.71]) were also significantly associated with sarcopenia.

This meta-analysis confirms a significant association between the TyG index and sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia increases with the elevation of the TyG index. This highlights the potential value of the TyG index as a key indicator for sarcopenia screening and early intervention. Trial registration:CRD420251067364, June 25, 2025.