Sarcopenic obesity
Misnikova I.V., Kovaleva Yu.A., Klimina N.A.

M.F. Vladimirskiy Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute, Moscow

Sarcopenic obesity is characterized by significant decrease in muscle mass, strength, and functionality due to the fat accumulation and substitution of muscle fibers by fat. This condition affects both elderly men and women and progresses with age. Sarcopenia worsens natural ageing and results in various complications and chronic disorder progression thus increasing the risk of death. Several epidemiological studies demonstrate that the occurence of sarcopenic obesity ranges from 4% to 84% in men and from 4% to 94% in women. Currently, no firm diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia exist. The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) developed a diagnostic algorithm which includes the assessment of muscle strength, mass, and functionality.
Several studies revealed risk factors for the development and progression of sarcopenic obesity as well as analyzed potential pathogenic mechanisms to cause this disease. A complex of preventive and therapeutic measures for sarcopenic obesity which includes diet and exercises was developed based on these findings. In addition, novel therapeutic agents which prevent muscle tissue ageing and muscle strength and functionality decrease are developed.

Key words: sarcopenic obesity, sarcopenia, ageing, muscle mass decrease, diagnosis of sarcopenia.

For citation: Misnikova I.V., Kovaleva Yu.A., Klimina N.A. Sarcopenic obesity // RMJ. 2017. № 2. 1. 24–29.