Key result
Higher triglyceride-glucose index is linked to ~115% greater odds of sarcopenia.
Why the study?
With sarcopenia increasingly common with population aging, this study investigated the association between the triglyceride-glucose index and sarcopenia.
Is a higher triglyceride-glucose index associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia?
Meta-Analysis (n=82,798)
Is a higher triglyceride-glucose index associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia?
Odds Ratio: 2.15 (95% CI 1.6–2.89)
The triglyceride-glucose index is significantly associated with sarcopenia, suggesting its potential value as a screening indicator.
May inform sarcopenia risk stratification via routine labs; extends pooled observational evidence but leaves causality and interventions open.
Background 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. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusions 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.
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Zou et al. (2026) conducted a meta-analysis in Sarcopenia (n=82,798). Triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) was evaluated on Sarcopenia (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.60-2.89). The triglyceride-glucose index was significantly associated with increased odds of sarcopenia (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.60-2.89).
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