Risk Factors for Sarcopenic Obesity in Adults: A Case-Control Study Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is the coexistence of excess adiposity and low muscle mass or function, with underrecognized prevalence and poorly defined risk factors in adults. 1 Our main purpose was to identify clinical, pharmacological, and lifestyle factors associated with SO among Mexican adults using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Methods This retrospective, observational, case-control study analyzed records from a tertiary-care center (2022–2024). Adults ≥30 years who underwent BIA were included. Sarcopenia was defined by ALM/height 2 , based on the criteria proposed by the EWGSOP2. 2 Low muscle mass was defined as ALM/height 2 < 7.0 kg/m 2 for men and < 5.5 kg/m 2 for women, and obesity by BFP (≥25% men, ≥35% women). Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of SO. Results A total of 56 patients were classified as SO and 407 as non-SO controls. The overall mean (SD) age was 52.3 (10.2) years and males were the predominant sex [252 (54.4%)]. Female sex, lower physical activity, and lower BMI were significantly associated with SO in univariate analyses. In the multivariable model (Nagelkerke R 2 =0.499), protective factors included metformin use (OR=0.181), p=0.005) and increased physical activity (OR=0.996, p=0.020). Risk factors included PPI use (OR=6.252, p=0.003), elevated triglycerides (OR=1.007, p=0.015), and history of dyslipidemia (OR=2.492, p=0.044). Conclusions SO was significantly associated with modifiable factors. Despite neutral effects in prior studies, in this study metformin use and regular exercise were protective, whereas PPI use, elevated triglycerides, and dyslipidemia were risk factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies beyond BMI, especially in adult populations.
Source: AACE Endocrinology and Diabetes
Authors: Mariana Yocelin Cantu-Rodriguez, Dalia Gutierrez-González, Iván Francisco Fernández-Chau, Andrea Treviño-Ferrer, Andrea Vallejo, Ana Sofia Sánchez-García, Christian Reguera-Hernández, Sara Jaqueline Castruita-Von Chong, Carlos Alberto Vázquez-Martínez, Juan Enrique Santos-Macias, Miguel Ángel Sanz-Sanchez, Arnulfo González-Cantú, Maria Elena Romero-Ibarguengoitia
Institution: University of Monterrey
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7166010832