Editorial: (Osteo)sarcopenia & sarcopenic obesity, volume II

Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2023 · DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1309645 · Published: November 6, 2023

Simple Explanation

Sarcopenia, characterized by low muscle mass, loss of strength, and compromised function, is a hallmark of aging and various diseases. It significantly impacts health, increasing the risk of comorbidities and mortality. This research topic explores the relationship between sarcopenia and other conditions, as well as the impact of exercise on sarcopenia. Sarcopenic obesity, where sarcopenia coexists with obesity, exacerbates health risks and reduces quality of life. Studies investigate the role of obesity in sarcopenia and optimal body composition strategies to mitigate these risks, highlighting the positive relationship between skeletal muscle mass and absolute fat mass. The coexistence of sarcopenia and osteoporosis increases the risk of falls and mortality. Research indicates that sarcopenia is associated with increased mortality risk, with low hand grip strength and walking speed being significant indicators. Furthermore, studies explore the impact of these conditions on spine fractures and cognitive function.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

9,006 individuals in China, elderly patients in Italy, American adults with prediabetes, 209 adult patients undergoing hemodialysis in West China, old adults from NHANES 2011-2014, postmenopausal women

Evidence Level

Systematic review, meta-analysis, cohort studies, Mendelian randomization analysis

Key Findings

1
Obesity is a risk factor for sarcopenia, with a positive relationship between skeletal muscle mass and absolute fat mass but a negative association with appendicular fat mass.
2
Sarcopenia is associated with an increased risk of mortality, particularly in individuals with severe sarcopenia, with low hand grip and usual walking speed being significant indicators of mortality risk.
3
Exercise training, particularly a combination of aerobic and resistance training, can improve body composition in postmenopausal women by increasing muscle mass and volume, muscle fat-free mass, and reducing body and visceral fat.

Research Summary

This editorial summarizes findings from a research topic focused on (osteo)sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity, highlighting the relationship between sarcopenia and various comorbidities such as obesity, osteoporosis, spinal fractures, and cognitive dysfunction. The research confirms the positive relationship between sarcopenia and these conditions, emphasizing the importance of addressing sarcopenia in clinical practice. The editorial also highlights the development of a short new scale for screening sarcopenia and underscores the importance of exercise in the management of sarcopenia, expressing gratitude to the contributors and participants.

Practical Implications

Clinical Screening

Implementation of accessible screening tools like the Sarcopenia Geriatric Scale (SARCO-GS) can aid in early detection of sarcopenia in various clinical settings.

Targeted Interventions

Exercise programs combining aerobic and resistance training should be considered for improving body composition and managing sarcopenia, particularly in postmenopausal women.

Comorbidity Management

Addressing sarcopenia in conjunction with related conditions such as obesity and osteoporosis is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality risk.

Study Limitations

1
Generalizability of findings across different populations (e.g., Chinese population vs. others).
2
The causal relationship between COVID-19 and sarcopenia requires further investigation.
3
The editorial nature limits the depth of analysis for each study mentioned.

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