Abstract
Sarcopenic obesity is a specific type of obesity, a medical condition defined as the coexistence of low muscle strength and mass and increased adipose tissue. In obesity, skeletal and visceral muscle infiltration with adipose tissue (myosteatosis) occurs, which negatively affects functional capacity and, secondarily, self-sufficiency and the overall quality of life of the elderly person.
The main role in the development of SO plays a chronic proinflammatory state with increased production of inflammatory cytokines and hormones secreted by adipose tissue. The presence of sarcopenia and SO respectively, is most often diagnosed by imaging techniques (DXA, CT, MRI).
In clinical practice bioimpedance analysis of body composition seems useful and physical functions are evaluated using comprehensive performance tests. SO is associated with serious negative health outcomes and with socio-economic consequences: increase in morbidity, mortality, contribution to cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, prolonged hospital stay, slower wound healing, and impaired cognitive function.
Nevertheless, SO also represents important modifiable risk factor, where changes of lifestyle play a crucial role in prevention and treatment. The aerobic and strength training combined with the nutritionist guided caloric restriction with sufficient protein intake appears to be the most effective interventions.