Sarcopenic obesity

Sarcopenic obesity is the concurrent presence of low skeletal muscle mass or function (sarcopenia) and excess adiposity. The combination is more adverse than either condition alone: excess fat amplifies systemic inflammation and lipotoxicity while reduced muscle mass impairs glucose uptake and energy expenditure, creating a self-reinforcing cycle. Risk for cardiometabolic disease, physical disability, and mortality is higher in sarcopenic-obese individuals than in those with only one condition, though exact thresholds vary across diagnostic frameworks. Resistance training combined with sufficient dietary protein (often ≥1.2 g/kg/day) is considered the primary intervention, targeting both muscle preservation and metabolic health.