Prevalence and lifestyle factors associated with sarcopenic obesity among older adults with central obesity: A cross-sectional study using CHARLS

With population aging and lifestyle changes, sarcopenic obesity (SO) – the coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity – has become a growing health concern in older adults. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of SO among older adults with central obesity and to identify associated factors, particularly those related to lifestyle. Of the 4250 centrally obese participants, 806 met the criteria for SO, corresponding to a prevalence of 19.0%. After adjustment, SO was independently associated with older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.138, P < .001), female sex (OR = 2.638, P < .001), and rural residence (OR = 1.776, P = .02). Lifestyle-related factors included eating fewer than 3 meals per day (OR = 1.823, P =.005) and nonoptimal sleep duration (<6 hours: OR = 1.585, P =.007; >8 hours: OR = 1.702, P =.05, marginally significant). In contrast, light-intensity physical activity was associated with lower odds of SO (OR = 0.601, P =.03). In conclusion, maintaining regular 3-meal dietary patterns, engaging in light-intensity physical activity such as walking or leisurely strolling, and having adequate sleep duration (6–8 hours) were associated with a lower prevalence. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm causality.