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Copyright (c) 2024 Halimah Ali Abeeri, Saad Naem Alshehri2, Fahad Salem Alharbi, Abdulaziz Jumah A Alanazi, Zahara Salman Hamid Almaqadi, Sabah Sanad Aljohani, Noha Abdullah Alanazi, Najah Mohammed Alasiri, Linah Matar Alhalil Alslobi, Nouf Salam A Alsmari, Amal Jubran Sofy, ISSA Yahya Jebril Al Gobby, Ibrahim Mohammed Mousa Hamzi, Abdulaziz Jassim Alshehabi

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Sarcopenic Obesity in Aging Males: Imaging, Metrics, and Multimodal Intervention
Corresponding Author(s) : Halimah Ali Abeeri
Saudi Journal of Medicine and Public Health, Vol. 1 No. 2 (2024)
Abstract
Background: Sarcopenic obesity, the confluence of age-related skeletal muscle atrophy (sarcopenia) and increased adiposity, represents a critical and underdiagnosed geriatric syndrome in men. Driven by hormonal changes, inflammation, and lifestyle factors, this condition synergistically amplifies risks beyond either condition alone, leading to severe disability, metabolic dysfunction, and early mortality. Traditional body mass index (BMI) is particularly misleading in this population, failing to discriminate between muscle and fat mass. Aim: This narrative review synthesizes contemporary literature (2010-2024) to analyze the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic imaging, and evidence-based multimodal management of sarcopenic obesity in aging males. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases identified peer-reviewed articles on epidemiology, radiological body composition analysis, nutritional, exercise, and nursing interventions. Results: Sarcopenic obesity in men is characterized by distinct epidemiology, including accelerated decline in anabolic hormones and visceral fat accumulation. Advanced imaging (CT, MRI, DXA) provides precise metrics of muscle radiodensity and visceral adipose tissue, offering superior prognostic value over BMI. Multimodal intervention combining high-protein, calorie-modified nutrition with progressive resistance training is the cornerstone of management, demonstrating efficacy in improving body composition and function. Nursing plays a pivotal role in early screening for functional decline and coordinating interdisciplinary care. Conclusion: Sarcopenic obesity in aging males demands a paradigm shift from weight-centric to body composition-focused care. A unified diagnostic approach utilizing imaging biomarkers, coupled with integrated, multimodal therapy coordinated across specialties, is essential to mitigate its profound personal and public health burden.
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- Addison, O., Marcus, R. L., LaStayo, P. C., & Ryan, A. S. (2014). Intermuscular fat: a review of the consequences and causes. International journal of endocrinology, 2014(1), 309570. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/309570
- Antoun, S., Lanoy, E., Ammari, S., Farhane, S., Martin, L., Robert, C., ... & Baracos, V. (2023). Protective effect of obesity on survival in cancers treated with immunotherapy vanishes when controlling for type of cancer, weight loss and reduced skeletal muscle. European Journal of Cancer, 178, 49-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejca.2022.10.013
- Balachandran, A. T., Evans, W. J., Cawthon, P. M., Wang, Y., Shankaran, M., Hellerstein, M. K., ... & Manini, T. (2023). Comparing D3-creatine dilution and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry muscle mass responses to strength training in low-functioning older adults. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 78(9), 1591-1596. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glad047
- Batsis, J. A., & Villareal, D. T. (2018). Sarcopenic obesity in older adults: aetiology, epidemiology and treatment strategies. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 14(9), 513-537. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-018-0062-9
- Bauer, J., Biolo, G., Cederholm, T., Cesari, M., Cruz-Jentoft, A. J., Morley, J. E., ... & Boirie, Y. (2013). Evidence-based recommendations for optimal dietary protein intake in older people: a position paper from the PROT-AGE Study Group. Journal of the american Medical Directors association, 14(8), 542-559. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2013.05.021
- Buckinx, F., Landi, F., Cesari, M., Fielding, R. A., Visser, M., Engelke, K., ... & Kanis, J. A. (2018). Pitfalls in the measurement of muscle mass: a need for a reference standard. Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle, 9(2), 269-278. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.12268
- Caan, B. J., Meyerhardt, J. A., Kroenke, C. H., Alexeeff, S., Xiao, J., Weltzien, E., ... & Prado, C. M. (2017). Explaining the obesity paradox: the association between body composition and colorectal cancer survival (C-SCANS Study). Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention, 26(7), 1008-1015. https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-17-0200
- Cawthon, P. M., Orwoll, E. S., Peters, K. E., Ensrud, K. E., Cauley, J. A., Kado, D. M., ... & Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study Research Group. (2019). Strong relation between muscle mass determined by D3-creatine dilution, physical performance, and incidence of falls and mobility limitations in a prospective cohort of older men. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 74(6), 844-852. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/gly129
- Cruz-Jentoft, A. J., Bahat, G., Bauer, J., Boirie, Y., Bruyère, O., Cederholm, T., ... & Zamboni, M. (2019). Sarcopenia: revised European consensus on definition and diagnosis. Age and ageing, 48(1), 16-31.https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afy169
- Daryanti Saragih, I., Yang, Y. P., Saragih, I. S., Batubara, S. O., & Lin, C. J. (2022). Effects of resistance bands exercise for frail older adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled studies. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 31(1-2), 43-61. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15950
- Donini, L. M., Busetto, L., Bischoff, S. C., Cederholm, T., Ballesteros-Pomar, M. D., Batsis, J. A., ... & Barazzoni, R. (2022). Definition and diagnostic criteria for sarcopenic obesity: ESPEN and EASO consensus statement. Obesity facts, 15(3), 321-335. https://doi.org/10.1159/000521241
- Gross, D. C., Cheever, C. R., & Batsis, J. A. (2023). Understanding the development of sarcopenic obesity. Expert review of endocrinology & metabolism, 18(6), 469-488. https://doi.org/10.1080/17446651.2023.2267672
- Kalyani, R. R., Corriere, M., & Ferrucci, L. (2014). Age-related and disease-related muscle loss: the effect of diabetes, obesity, and other diseases. The lancet Diabetes & endocrinology, 2(10), 819-829. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(14)70034-8
- Lisco, G., Disoteo, O. E., De Tullio, A., De Geronimo, V., Giagulli, V. A., Monzani, F., ... & Triggiani, V. (2023). Sarcopenia and diabetes: a detrimental liaison of advancing age. Nutrients, 16(1), 63. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010063
- Lopez, P., Pinto, R. S., Radaelli, R., Rech, A., Grazioli, R., Izquierdo, M., & Cadore, E. L. (2018). Benefits of resistance training in physically frail elderly: a systematic review. Aging clinical and experimental research, 30(8), 889-899. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-017-0863-z
- Martin, L., Birdsell, L., MacDonald, N., Reiman, T., Clandinin, M. T., McCargar, L. J., ... & Baracos, V. E. (2013). Cancer cachexia in the age of obesity: skeletal muscle depletion is a powerful prognostic factor, independent of body mass index. Journal of clinical oncology, 31(12), 1539-1547. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2012.45.2722
- McCarthy, C., Schoeller, D., Brown, J. C., Gonzalez, M. C., Varanoske, A. N., Cataldi, D., ... & Heymsfield, S. B. (2022). D3‐creatine dilution for skeletal muscle mass measurement: historical development and current status. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 13(6), 2595-2607. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.13083
- Mourtzakis, M., Prado, C. M., Lieffers, J. R., Reiman, T., McCargar, L. J., & Baracos, V. E. (2008). A practical and precise approach to quantification of body composition in cancer patients using computed tomography images acquired during routine care. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 33(5), 997-1006. https://doi.org/10.1139/H08-075
- Nishimura, Y., Højfeldt, G., Breen, L., Tetens, I., & Holm, L. (2023). Dietary protein requirements and recommendations for healthy older adults: a critical narrative review of the scientific evidence. Nutrition research reviews, 36(1), 69-85. doi:10.1017/S0954422421000329
- Philpott, J. D., Bootsma, N. J., Rodriguez-Sanchez, N., Hamilton, D. L., MacKinlay, E., Dick, J., ... & Witard, O. C. (2019). Influence of fish oil-derived n-3 fatty acid supplementation on changes in body composition and muscle strength during short-term weight loss in resistance-trained men. Frontiers in nutrition, 6, 102. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2019.00102
- Prado, C. M., Gonzalez, M. C., & Heymsfield, S. B. (2015). Body composition phenotypes and obesity paradox. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, 18(6), 535-551. DOI: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000216
- Reinders, I., Visser, M., Jyväkorpi, S. K., Niskanen, R. T., Bosmans, J. E., Jornada Ben, Â., ... & Wijnhoven, H. A. (2022). The cost effectiveness of personalized dietary advice to increase protein intake in older adults with lower habitual protein intake: a randomized controlled trial. European journal of nutrition, 61(1), 505-520. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-021-02675-0
- Scott, D., Blyth, F., Naganathan, V., Le Couteur, D. G., Handelsman, D. J., Waite, L. M., & Hirani, V. (2023). Sarcopenia prevalence and functional outcomes in older men with obesity: comparing the use of the EWGSOP2 sarcopenia versus ESPEN-EASO sarcopenic obesity consensus definitions. Clinical Nutrition, 42(9), 1610-1618. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2023.07.014
- Simati, S., Kokkinos, A., Dalamaga, M., & Argyrakopoulou, G. (2023). Obesity paradox: fact or fiction?. Current obesity reports, 12(2), 75-85. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-023-00497-1
- Smith, G. I., Julliand, S., Reeds, D. N., Sinacore, D. R., Klein, S., & Mittendorfer, B. (2015). Fish oil–derived n− 3 PUFA therapy increases muscle mass and function in healthy older adults. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 102(1), 115-122. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.114.105833
- Snyder, P. J., Bhasin, S., Cunningham, G. R., Matsumoto, A. M., Stephens-Shields, A. J., Cauley, J. A., ... & Ellenberg, S. S. (2016). Effects of testosterone treatment in older men. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(7), 611-624. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1506119
- Tian, S., & Xu, Y. (2016). Association of sarcopenic obesity with the risk of all‐cause mortality: a meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies. Geriatrics & gerontology international, 16(2), 155-166. https://doi.org/10.1111/ggi.12579
- Wannamethee, S. G., & Atkins, J. L. (2015). Muscle loss and obesity: the health implications of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 74(4), 405-412. doi:10.1017/S002966511500169X
- Wei, S., Nguyen, T. T., Zhang, Y., Ryu, D., & Gariani, K. (2023). Sarcopenic obesity: epidemiology, pathophysiology, cardiovascular disease, mortality, and management. Frontiers in endocrinology, 14, 1185221. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1185221
- Weng, W. H., Cheng, Y. H., Yang, T. H., Lee, S. J., Yang, Y. R., & Wang, R. Y. (2022). Effects of strength exercises combined with other training on physical performance in frail older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of gerontology and geriatrics, 102, 104757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2022.104757
- Wong, G., Greenhalgh, T., Westhorp, G., Buckingham, J., & Pawson, R. (2013). RAMESES publication standards: realist syntheses. BMC medicine, 11(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-11-21
- Zanker, J., Sim, M., Anderson, K., Balogun, S., Brennan‐Olsen, S. L., Dent, E., ... & Scott, D. (2023). Consensus guidelines for sarcopenia prevention, diagnosis and management in Australia and New Zealand. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 14(1), 142-156. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.13115
- Zhuang, M., Jin, M., Lu, T., Lu, L., Ainsworth, B. E., Liu, Y., & Chen, N. (2022). Effects of three modes of physical activity on physical fitness and hematological parameters in older people with sarcopenic obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in physiology, 13, 917525. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.917525
References
Addison, O., Marcus, R. L., LaStayo, P. C., & Ryan, A. S. (2014). Intermuscular fat: a review of the consequences and causes. International journal of endocrinology, 2014(1), 309570. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/309570
Antoun, S., Lanoy, E., Ammari, S., Farhane, S., Martin, L., Robert, C., ... & Baracos, V. (2023). Protective effect of obesity on survival in cancers treated with immunotherapy vanishes when controlling for type of cancer, weight loss and reduced skeletal muscle. European Journal of Cancer, 178, 49-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejca.2022.10.013
Balachandran, A. T., Evans, W. J., Cawthon, P. M., Wang, Y., Shankaran, M., Hellerstein, M. K., ... & Manini, T. (2023). Comparing D3-creatine dilution and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry muscle mass responses to strength training in low-functioning older adults. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 78(9), 1591-1596. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glad047
Batsis, J. A., & Villareal, D. T. (2018). Sarcopenic obesity in older adults: aetiology, epidemiology and treatment strategies. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 14(9), 513-537. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-018-0062-9
Bauer, J., Biolo, G., Cederholm, T., Cesari, M., Cruz-Jentoft, A. J., Morley, J. E., ... & Boirie, Y. (2013). Evidence-based recommendations for optimal dietary protein intake in older people: a position paper from the PROT-AGE Study Group. Journal of the american Medical Directors association, 14(8), 542-559. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2013.05.021
Buckinx, F., Landi, F., Cesari, M., Fielding, R. A., Visser, M., Engelke, K., ... & Kanis, J. A. (2018). Pitfalls in the measurement of muscle mass: a need for a reference standard. Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle, 9(2), 269-278. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.12268
Caan, B. J., Meyerhardt, J. A., Kroenke, C. H., Alexeeff, S., Xiao, J., Weltzien, E., ... & Prado, C. M. (2017). Explaining the obesity paradox: the association between body composition and colorectal cancer survival (C-SCANS Study). Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention, 26(7), 1008-1015. https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-17-0200
Cawthon, P. M., Orwoll, E. S., Peters, K. E., Ensrud, K. E., Cauley, J. A., Kado, D. M., ... & Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study Research Group. (2019). Strong relation between muscle mass determined by D3-creatine dilution, physical performance, and incidence of falls and mobility limitations in a prospective cohort of older men. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 74(6), 844-852. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/gly129
Cruz-Jentoft, A. J., Bahat, G., Bauer, J., Boirie, Y., Bruyère, O., Cederholm, T., ... & Zamboni, M. (2019). Sarcopenia: revised European consensus on definition and diagnosis. Age and ageing, 48(1), 16-31.https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afy169
Daryanti Saragih, I., Yang, Y. P., Saragih, I. S., Batubara, S. O., & Lin, C. J. (2022). Effects of resistance bands exercise for frail older adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled studies. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 31(1-2), 43-61. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15950
Donini, L. M., Busetto, L., Bischoff, S. C., Cederholm, T., Ballesteros-Pomar, M. D., Batsis, J. A., ... & Barazzoni, R. (2022). Definition and diagnostic criteria for sarcopenic obesity: ESPEN and EASO consensus statement. Obesity facts, 15(3), 321-335. https://doi.org/10.1159/000521241
Gross, D. C., Cheever, C. R., & Batsis, J. A. (2023). Understanding the development of sarcopenic obesity. Expert review of endocrinology & metabolism, 18(6), 469-488. https://doi.org/10.1080/17446651.2023.2267672
Kalyani, R. R., Corriere, M., & Ferrucci, L. (2014). Age-related and disease-related muscle loss: the effect of diabetes, obesity, and other diseases. The lancet Diabetes & endocrinology, 2(10), 819-829. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(14)70034-8
Lisco, G., Disoteo, O. E., De Tullio, A., De Geronimo, V., Giagulli, V. A., Monzani, F., ... & Triggiani, V. (2023). Sarcopenia and diabetes: a detrimental liaison of advancing age. Nutrients, 16(1), 63. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010063
Lopez, P., Pinto, R. S., Radaelli, R., Rech, A., Grazioli, R., Izquierdo, M., & Cadore, E. L. (2018). Benefits of resistance training in physically frail elderly: a systematic review. Aging clinical and experimental research, 30(8), 889-899. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-017-0863-z
Martin, L., Birdsell, L., MacDonald, N., Reiman, T., Clandinin, M. T., McCargar, L. J., ... & Baracos, V. E. (2013). Cancer cachexia in the age of obesity: skeletal muscle depletion is a powerful prognostic factor, independent of body mass index. Journal of clinical oncology, 31(12), 1539-1547. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2012.45.2722
McCarthy, C., Schoeller, D., Brown, J. C., Gonzalez, M. C., Varanoske, A. N., Cataldi, D., ... & Heymsfield, S. B. (2022). D3‐creatine dilution for skeletal muscle mass measurement: historical development and current status. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 13(6), 2595-2607. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.13083
Mourtzakis, M., Prado, C. M., Lieffers, J. R., Reiman, T., McCargar, L. J., & Baracos, V. E. (2008). A practical and precise approach to quantification of body composition in cancer patients using computed tomography images acquired during routine care. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 33(5), 997-1006. https://doi.org/10.1139/H08-075
Nishimura, Y., Højfeldt, G., Breen, L., Tetens, I., & Holm, L. (2023). Dietary protein requirements and recommendations for healthy older adults: a critical narrative review of the scientific evidence. Nutrition research reviews, 36(1), 69-85. doi:10.1017/S0954422421000329
Philpott, J. D., Bootsma, N. J., Rodriguez-Sanchez, N., Hamilton, D. L., MacKinlay, E., Dick, J., ... & Witard, O. C. (2019). Influence of fish oil-derived n-3 fatty acid supplementation on changes in body composition and muscle strength during short-term weight loss in resistance-trained men. Frontiers in nutrition, 6, 102. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2019.00102
Prado, C. M., Gonzalez, M. C., & Heymsfield, S. B. (2015). Body composition phenotypes and obesity paradox. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, 18(6), 535-551. DOI: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000216
Reinders, I., Visser, M., Jyväkorpi, S. K., Niskanen, R. T., Bosmans, J. E., Jornada Ben, Â., ... & Wijnhoven, H. A. (2022). The cost effectiveness of personalized dietary advice to increase protein intake in older adults with lower habitual protein intake: a randomized controlled trial. European journal of nutrition, 61(1), 505-520. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-021-02675-0
Scott, D., Blyth, F., Naganathan, V., Le Couteur, D. G., Handelsman, D. J., Waite, L. M., & Hirani, V. (2023). Sarcopenia prevalence and functional outcomes in older men with obesity: comparing the use of the EWGSOP2 sarcopenia versus ESPEN-EASO sarcopenic obesity consensus definitions. Clinical Nutrition, 42(9), 1610-1618. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2023.07.014
Simati, S., Kokkinos, A., Dalamaga, M., & Argyrakopoulou, G. (2023). Obesity paradox: fact or fiction?. Current obesity reports, 12(2), 75-85. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-023-00497-1
Smith, G. I., Julliand, S., Reeds, D. N., Sinacore, D. R., Klein, S., & Mittendorfer, B. (2015). Fish oil–derived n− 3 PUFA therapy increases muscle mass and function in healthy older adults. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 102(1), 115-122. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.114.105833
Snyder, P. J., Bhasin, S., Cunningham, G. R., Matsumoto, A. M., Stephens-Shields, A. J., Cauley, J. A., ... & Ellenberg, S. S. (2016). Effects of testosterone treatment in older men. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(7), 611-624. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1506119
Tian, S., & Xu, Y. (2016). Association of sarcopenic obesity with the risk of all‐cause mortality: a meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies. Geriatrics & gerontology international, 16(2), 155-166. https://doi.org/10.1111/ggi.12579
Wannamethee, S. G., & Atkins, J. L. (2015). Muscle loss and obesity: the health implications of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 74(4), 405-412. doi:10.1017/S002966511500169X
Wei, S., Nguyen, T. T., Zhang, Y., Ryu, D., & Gariani, K. (2023). Sarcopenic obesity: epidemiology, pathophysiology, cardiovascular disease, mortality, and management. Frontiers in endocrinology, 14, 1185221. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1185221
Weng, W. H., Cheng, Y. H., Yang, T. H., Lee, S. J., Yang, Y. R., & Wang, R. Y. (2022). Effects of strength exercises combined with other training on physical performance in frail older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of gerontology and geriatrics, 102, 104757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2022.104757
Wong, G., Greenhalgh, T., Westhorp, G., Buckingham, J., & Pawson, R. (2013). RAMESES publication standards: realist syntheses. BMC medicine, 11(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-11-21
Zanker, J., Sim, M., Anderson, K., Balogun, S., Brennan‐Olsen, S. L., Dent, E., ... & Scott, D. (2023). Consensus guidelines for sarcopenia prevention, diagnosis and management in Australia and New Zealand. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 14(1), 142-156. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.13115
Zhuang, M., Jin, M., Lu, T., Lu, L., Ainsworth, B. E., Liu, Y., & Chen, N. (2022). Effects of three modes of physical activity on physical fitness and hematological parameters in older people with sarcopenic obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in physiology, 13, 917525. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.917525