Association between body fat and the prevalence of sarcopenia in older women with obesity: a pilot cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: This pilot cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia among older women with obesity and to compare anthropometric parameters, body composition, and physical function between older women with nonsarcopenic obesity and those with sarcopenic obesity. In addition, sarcopenia-associated factors were explored. METHODS: In total, 141 older women with obesity (mean age 64.84 y) participated. Obesity was defined by a body mass index ≥30 kg/m², and sarcopenia was determined using handgrip strength (<0.56 kgf/BMI) and low appendicular lean mass (<0.512 kg/BMI). Independent t tests were used to compare differences between groups, and multivariate logistic regression analyses to assess sarcopenia-associated factors. RESULTS: Sarcopenic obesity was observed in 28% of the participants with obesity. Women with sarcopenic obesity were shorter, but had a higher body mass index, waist circumference, and body fat percentage (total, android, and gynoid). These women also presented lower appendicular lean soft tissue and handgrip strength values. Logistic regression analysis showed that body fat percentage was associated with sarcopenia (5-unit increase in body fat: odds ratio: 4.25, 95% CI: 2.26-8.76, P <0.001). CONCLUSION: In this pilot sample of older women with obesity, 28% exhibited sarcopenic obesity. Elevated body fat appeared to be associated with sarcopenia, highlighting a potential relationship that warrants further investigation in longitudinal studies.