Sarcopenic Obesity in Individuals With Neurodisabilities: The SarcObeNDS Study

Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.868298 · Published: July 19, 2022

Simple Explanation

This study investigates sarcopenic obesity (SO) in patients with neurodisabilities (NDS). SO is when someone has both increased fat and decreased muscle. The study found that individuals with NDS have lower muscle mass compared to healthy individuals. This was measured using a skeletal muscle index (SMI). Early diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenia and/or obesity in individuals with NDS may help prevent further health problems. This includes functional decline and reduced quality of life.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

82 patients with neurodisabilities and 32 healthy controls

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
A statistically significant difference was found in SMI between controls and patients with NDS.
2
No statistical significance was found for TBF and FMI between groups.
3
A strong positive correlation was demonstrated between BMI and TBF for the total population.

Research Summary

This cross-sectional study explored the prevalence of indices of sarcopenic obesity in patients with NDS. Our findings revealed statistically significant associations between BMI and SMI in both genders. In individuals with NDS, optimizing body composition is imperative to reduce the risk offunctional decline.

Practical Implications

Timely Diagnosis

Accurate assessment tools can diagnose sarcopenia and obesity in individuals with NDS.

Preventative Treatment

Timely treatments can prevent additional catabolic responses.

Improved Quality of Life

Addressing sarcopenia and obesity can improve physical performance and overall quality of life.

Study Limitations

1
The study did not perform sample size estimation due to difficulties in finding a sufficient control sample due to COVID-19.
2
Accuracy of skeletal muscle mass measured by DXA and the prevalence of obesity via BMI may be compromised due to existing limitations in both assessment tools
3
SMI could misclassify individuals with obesity by exhibiting an increase, while underweight populations may demonstrate a low SMI score.

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