A study conducted by specialists from the Federal University of São Carlos (Brazil) in collaboration with University College London (UK) found that a combination of excess abdominal fat and reduced muscle mass significantly increases the risk of mortality. People with this combination had an 83% higher risk of death compared to those who did not have either of these issues.

Sarcopenic Obesity and Its Consequences

This combination of symptoms indicates the presence of sarcopenic obesity—a condition where muscle mass decreases while body fat increases. Diagnosing this condition can be challenging, but it is closely linked to loss of independence and a decline in quality of life among older adults, as well as increased frailty, risk of falls, and other health complications.

Methods for Early Detection

The study showed that simple methods such as measuring waist circumference and calculating lean body mass while considering age, sex, weight, race, and height can be used to detect sarcopenic obesity. This is important because the lack of a unified diagnostic approach makes timely detection and treatment difficult. Using accessible methods allows older people to receive earlier interventions, such as dietary management and physical exercise, which can help improve their quality of life.

Study Data

The results are based on 12 years of observations of 5,440 participants aged 50 and older from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). It was found that simple screening methods can replace expensive tests like MRI, CT scans, bioimpedance, or densitometry, which are not always available for routine diagnostics.

The Impact of Combined Fat and Low Muscle Mass

Loss of muscle combined with the accumulation of abdominal fat has a cumulative effect on metabolism. Among people with both issues, the risk of death was 83% higher than in those without them. At the same time, participants with low muscle mass but no abdominal obesity had a 40% lower risk of death. Those with abdominal obesity but sufficient muscle mass did not show an increased risk of mortality.

Mechanisms Behind Complications

Excess fat intensifies inflammatory processes in the body, causing metabolic changes that accelerate muscle breakdown. Fat tissue can infiltrate muscle tissue, replacing it and leading to disruptions in the metabolic, endocrine, immune, and functional capacities of muscles.

Practical Criteria for Diagnosis

Due to the absence of a single definition for sarcopenic obesity, researchers used practical criteria to identify at-risk groups. Abdominal obesity was defined as a waist circumference greater than 102 cm in men and more than 88 cm in women. Low muscle mass was defined as a skeletal muscle mass index below 9.36 kg/m² for men and below 6.73 kg/m² for women.

The Importance of Simple Methods

Using simple measurements can facilitate early detection of sarcopenic obesity, allowing more people to access interventions that can reduce risk and improve long-term health outcomes.