The prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in a German geriatric day clinic

Habboub B, Oludowole E, Speer R, Masuch J, Berger U, Gosch M, Singler K (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Journal of Frailty & Aging Springer

Book Volume: 14

Article Number: 100072

Journal Issue: 5

DOI: 10.1016/j.tjfa.2025.100072

Abstract

Purpose: Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity are defined by the loss of muscle strength and mass. Both diseases pose a growing global challenge. Their prevalences vary between studied populations. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalences of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in sample of community-dwelling older adults attending a geriatric day clinic. Methods: A secondary analysis of the Paint-II Data (single-center randomized controlled trial on the effects of art therapy) was used to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity. Furthermore, a machine learning model predicted factors associated with both diseases. Results: We had body composition information on 255 of the 409 Paint-II participants. Their mean age was 81 ± 5 years and 78 % were female. Depending on the appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) definition, the prevalence of sarcopenia ranged between 10 % and 24 % using ASM/height2 or absolute ASM respectively. The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity was 15 %. Weight was the most influential predictor, with higher weight being linked to sarcopenic obesity and lower weight associated with sarcopenia. Conclusions: The prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity among community-dwelling older adults attending geriatric day clinics is higher than among the general geriatric population. There is a significant discrepancy in sarcopenia prevalence depending on whether muscle mass is measured absolutely or adjusted for body size. Diagnosis is further complicated by varying recommended cut-offs. We support efforts to simplify and standardize the diagnostic criteria.

Involved external institutions

Klinikum Nürnberg DE Germany (DE) Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) DE Germany (DE) Klinikum Fürth DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Habboub, B., Oludowole, E., Speer, R., Masuch, J., Berger, U., Gosch, M., & Singler, K. (2025). The prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in a German geriatric day clinic. Journal of Frailty & Aging, 14(5). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjfa.2025.100072

MLA:

Habboub, Basel, et al. "The prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in a German geriatric day clinic." Journal of Frailty & Aging 14.5 (2025).

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