What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to assess the prevalence and identify risk factors of sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults.

June 14, 2026Open Access

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study With Nutritional Assessment

TLTianwei LuTongji University QFQing FangTongji University ZLZiyi LinTongji University

Key Points

This study aims to assess the prevalence and identify risk factors of sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults.
Cross-sectional study of 1,650 adults aged ≥65 years in Shanghai.
Sarcopenia diagnosed using AWGS criteria through SARC-CalF, handgrip strength, and bioelectrical impedance.
Logistic regression used to identify associated factors, with evaluation of model calibration and agreement between nutritional tools.
Sarcopenia prevalence was 2.48% (men: 2.42%; women: 2.54%).
Risk factors included age ≥80 years (OR = 5.089), low BMI <18.5 kg/m² (OR = 4.507), short daily sleep <5 hours (OR = 3.898), and chronic gastritis (OR = 3.624).
Protective factors were BMI ≥24.0 kg/m² (OR = 0.033) and regular exercise (OR = 0.420).

Abstract

Introduction Sarcopenia, a progressive skeletal muscle disorder, is common among older adults and is associated with adverse outcomes including falls, fractures, cognitive decline, poor quality of life, and increased mortality. Malnutrition contributes to sarcopenia, and early screening is essential for prevention. Methods This cross-sectional study evaluated community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years in Shanghai. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) consensus, using SARC-CalF, handgrip strength, and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Nutritional status was assessed with MNA-SF and GLIM criteria. Demographics, health, lifestyle, and physical measurements were collected. Logistic regression identified factors associated with sarcopenia. Model calibration was evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, multicollinearity via variance inflation factor, and agreement between nutritional tools using the Kappa statistic. Results A total of 1,650 adults aged ≥65 years from Shanghai were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 2.48% overall (men: 2.42%; women: 2.54%). Independent risk factors included age ≥80 years (OR = 5.089, 95% CI: 2.347–11.037), BMI <18.5 kg/m 2 (OR = 4.507, 95% CI: 1.816–11.185), daily sleep <5 h (OR = 3.898, 95% CI: 2.003–7.587), and chronic gastritis (OR = 3.624, 95% CI: 1.234–10.637). Protective factors were BMI ≥24.0 kg/m 2 (OR = 0.033, 95% CI: 0.004–0.241) and regular physical exercise (OR = 0.420, 95% CI: 0.216–0.813). Co-occurrence of malnutrition and sarcopenia ranged from 0.30% to 0.55%. Agreement between MNA-SF and GLIM was moderate (Kappa = 0.357, P < 0.001). Their contingency coefficients with sarcopenia were 0.086 and 0.151, respectively ( P < 0.05). Conclusion In Shanghai community-dwelling older adults, sarcopenia prevalence was 2.48%. Advanced age, low BMI, short sleep, and chronic gastritis increased risk, while higher BMI and regular exercise were protective. Early nutritional assessment and interventions are crucial to prevent sarcopenia.

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