This new condition, sarcopenic obesity, characterized by the combination of obesity and sarcopenia , or in other words an increase in body fat combined with a simultaneous reduction in muscle mass, deserves further investigation. research, a precise diagnostic definition and specific care, explains, in the Open Nutrition journal, this nutrition expert from the Arab University of Beirut.
increasing prevalence of this "combined" condition, many uncertainties still remain not only on the definition of the pathology but also on its specific effects on health. “What is the definition of sarcopenic obesity? How is sarcopenic obesity harmful to health? How should this condition be treated? According to the expert, the disease should be considered a scientific and clinical priority, in line with the positions of two important scientific societies, the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO).
Underlying processes to identify:this expert communication based on various scientific publications, cited by the researchers, recalls the hypothesis that the 2 components of sarcopenic obesity could synergistically increase their negative effects on health. Several cross-sectional studies have in fact demonstrated that patients with sarcopenic obesity present a greater cardio-metabolic risk (in terms of hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, unfavorable cognitive psychological profiles and impaired quality of life.However, the cause and effect relationship and processes underlying these synergistic effects are not clearly understood.It is still unclear whether sarcopenic obesity can lead to the onset of certain diseases, as very few Longitudinal studies have yet focused on the "real" effects of sarcopenic obesity on health. The expert recalls here the need to conduct longitudinal studies in order to clarify the real effect of sarcopenic obesity on the onset/evolution of certain cardio-metabolic, psychological and cognitive diseases as well as on mortality.
Therapeutic strategies to be specified: assuming that a consensus can be reached on a definition of sarcopenic obesity and on its real effects on health and mortality, it will be necessary to specify the possible treatment strategies, in terms of physical activity, diets and supplements, in particular. In this case, the experts call for the launch of randomized controlled trials to test the effectiveness of the various possible strategies for reducing both sarcopenia and overweight in obese patients.
In short, for researchers and clinicians alike, given the obesity epidemic and the aging of populations, this dual condition should be considered a scientific and clinical priority .
