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Prevalence and Risk Factors for Presarcopenia among Young and Middle-aged Asian Americans: A Cross-Sectional Study using NHANES data

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: To examine the prevalence of and risk factors for presarcopenia (low muscle mass with normal function) among Asian Americans (AAs), compared with non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs); and to assess the relationship between appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) and handgrip strength by race. Design: A cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2014) was conducted, using ALMI (assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and handgrip strength data from adults aged 18-59 years. Results: Of 3,116 participants (2,293 NHW, 823 AA), presarcopenia prevalence was 10% among NHWs and 27% among AAs. In multivariable regression, AA race (OR 4.2, 95% CI 2.6-6.6) and female sex (OR 1.6 ,95% CI 1.3-2.0) were associated with presarcopenia. Conversely, holding a college degree (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.30-0.92), high physical activity (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.43-0.80), being overweight (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.04-0.08) and obesity (OR 0.00, 95% CI 0.00-0.02) status were inversely associated. Both AAs and NHWs exhibited increasing prevalence of low muscle mass with reduced handgrip strength. Conclusion: Young and middle-aged AAs are at increased risk of presarcopenia, relative to NHWs. This vulnerable demographic group may benefit from targeted public health interventions to reduce progression toward sarcopenia later in life.

Source: Journal of Asian Health

DOI: 10.59448/jah.v4i1.51