The Correlations of Sarcopenia and Obesity Status with Prevalence of Osteoarthritis in Older Adults.

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic joint disease affecting approximately 7% of the global population, with increasing significance in aging populations. Sarcopenia and obesity, two interconnected age-associated conditions, have potential pathogenic roles in OA development, yet their precise interactions remain incompletely understood.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999-2006, focusing on 2309 participants aged 65 years and older. Sarcopenia and obesity were assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-derived body composition measures, and OA status was determined through self-reported physician diagnoses. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to investigate the correlations between sarcopenia, obesity status, and the prevalence of OA.

Results: Sarcopenia was positively associated with OA, with an adjusted OR of 1.38 (95% CI: 1.07-1.79). Obesity demonstrated a consistent positive correlation with OA (adjusted OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.03-1.65). Subgroup analyses revealed nuanced associations, particularly among specific demographic groups such as non-Hispanic Black individuals and those with comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes.

Conclusions: The study reveals complex interrelationships between sarcopenia, obesity, and OA prevalence in older adults. The findings underscore the importance of body composition in joint health and suggest the need for targeted interventions considering demographic and clinical variations.