The Impact of Sarcopenic Obesity on Frailty, Cognition, and Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Abstract

Objectives: The impact of sarcopenic obesity (SO) on frailty, cognition, and function compared to sarcopenia and obesity alone remains unclear. This study examined SO's effects on these domains in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: We assessed 202 older adults (mean age 80.4 ±7.3 years) attending a community frailty screening clinic. Obesity was defined as BMI≥25, and sarcopenia was assessed using Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia guidelines. SO was defined as the presence of both conditions. Assessments included the Clinical Frailty Scale, Modified Barthel Index, Singapore-modified Mini-Mental State Examination, and mobility aid use.

Results: Multivariate regression showed SO was significantly associated with frailty (OR 4.71), impaired function (ß: -16.53), and mobility limitations (OR 5.73). SO was also linked to cognitive impairment (OR 3.56). Sarcopenia alone was associated with frailty (OR 3.39), impaired function (ß -11.46), and mobility limitations (OR 3.32), but not cognition. Obesity alone showed no associations. SO posed higher risks for frailty, cognitive impairment, functional decline, and mobility limitations compared to sarcopenia or obesity alone.

Conclusions: SO is associated with greater risks of frailty, cognitive impairment, functional decline, and mobility limitations than sarcopenia or obesity alone.