The prevalance of sarcopenic obesity in old-aged patients admitted to the clinical nutrition outpatient clinic

Introduction: Sarcopenic obesity is the combination of low muscle mass and function (sarcopenia) together with increased fat mass (obesity). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in old aged patients admitted to Clinic Nutrition Outpatient Clinic (CNOC). Material and Methods: The records of old aged patients who were admitted to the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine CNOC between 2013 and 2021 were evaluated in this retrospective study. Demographic data, medical history and laboratory values of the patients were obtained. Body-composition was evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis and muscle strength was measured with using a hand dynamometer. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was made on the basis of the diagnostic criteria revised by the European Sarcopenia Working Group (EWGSOP) in 2019 with population-specific cutoffs. For the diagnosis of obesity, the body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 (World Health Organization, WHO) was used. Results: 205 old aged patients were included into the study (55,6% men and 44,4% women). The mean ages were 72,7±6,0 for men and 73,0±6,2 for women. The mean BMI was 24,2±5,6 kg/m2 and 16,6% of the patients were obese. The prevalences of probable sarcopenia, confirmed sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity were 61,5% (men 31%, women 100%), 21,5% (men 6,2%, women 40,7%) and 0,5%, respectively. Conclusion: CNOC is important for the treatment and follow-up of malnutrition for community dwelling people, especially after hospital discharge. Sarcopenia prevalence was high in elderly admitted to the CNOC, and this was the first data about sarcopenic obesity in CNOC in Turkey. Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity must be assessed and treated in outpatient settings, in order to prevent related complications. Key Words: Sarcopenia, obesity, old aged, malnutrition