Ricerc@Sapienza

Background/Objectives: There is no consensus on the definition of sarcopenic obesity (SO), resulting in inconsistent associations of SO with mortality risk. We aim to evaluate association of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) SO models with mortality risk in a US adult population (≥50 years). Subjects/Methods: The study population consisted of 3577 participants aged 50 years and older from the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition and Examination Survey with mortality follow-up data through December 31, 2011.

Sarcopenic obesity is a clinical and functional condition characterized by the coexistence of excess fat mass and sarcopenia. Currently, different definitions of sarcopenic obesity exist and its diagnostic criteria and cut-offs are not universally established. Therefore, the prevalence and sensitivity of this condition for any disease risk prediction is affected significantly.

Objectives: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is characterized by the co-occurrence of high adiposity (HA) and low muscle mass (LM) and has been associated with an increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between markers of insulin sensitivity and SO defined by three novel body composition models: body composition phenotypes; truncal fat mass-to-appendicular skeletal mass (TrFM/ASM) ratio load capacity; and fat mass-to-fat-free mass (FM/FFM) ratio load capacity. Methods: The study included 314 participants 18 to 65 y of age.