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Sarcopenic Obesity
Co-occurrence of low skeletal muscle mass/function with excess adiposity, conferring worse functional and metabolic outcomes than either condition alone.
The phenotype is masked by BMI because total body weight or weight gain can obscure muscle loss. Recognition requires body composition assessment, typically DXA or CT. Sarcopenic obesity is associated with insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and post-operative complications. ESPEN/EASO 2022 consensus criteria require screening (BMI plus risk factors), then confirmation by low strength and altered composition (low muscle, high fat).
How each textbook covers it
Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 20
Common in older adults and in patients with chronic inflammation. Carries higher functional and metabolic risk than either condition alone. Cannot be detected by BMI alone; requires body composition assessment plus strength or performance testing.
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 47: Body Composition
The phenotype is masked by BMI because total body weight or weight gain can obscure muscle loss. Recognition requires body composition assessment, typically DXA or CT. Sarcopenic obesity is associated with insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and post-operative complications. ESPEN/EASO 2022 consensus criteria require screening (BMI plus risk factors), then confirmation by low strength and altered composition (low muscle, high fat).
Related terms
DXA, Frailty, Obesity, Sarcopenia