Biology:Sarcopenic obesity

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Short description: Medical condition: obesity and loss of muscle

Sarcopenic obesity is a medical condition which is defined as the presence of both sarcopenia (loss of muscle) and obesity.[1] Sarcopenia refers to the presence of low muscle mass and either low muscular strength or low physical performance. When this is accompanied by a high fat mass the condition is known as sarcopenic obesity.[1]

Symptoms

The symptoms are similar to those of sarcopenia and obesity. The individual may show a BMI that is appropriate and healthy to his or her age but will look fat in appearance.

Causes

The disease is caused due to a variety of reasons:

  • It can be due to aging, wherein muscles become weak due to a lack of exercise, and the individual gains weight due to the same reason.
  • In other cases, the cause is genetic, wherein the individual is born with a reduced ability to grow muscle mass.

Diagnosis

Sarcopenic obesity is a combination of high body fat and low BMI. Can be diagnosed by measures such as waist-hip ratio.

Treatment

An appropriate weight training and weight loss program can help to improve the patient's condition.

See also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Cruz-Jentoft, Alfonso J.; Baeyens, Jean Pierre; Bauer, Jürgen M.; Boirie, Yves; Cederholm, Tommy; Landi, Francesco; Martin, Finbarr C.; Michel, Jean-Pierre et al. (2010-07-01). "Sarcopenia: European consensus on definition and diagnosis: Report of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People". Age and Ageing 39 (4): 412–423. doi:10.1093/ageing/afq034. ISSN 1468-2834. PMID 20392703.