Osteosarcopenic obesity, the coexistence of osteoporosis, sarcopenia and obesity and consequences in the quality of life in older adults ≥65 years-old in Greece

Konstantia Keramidaki; Amalia Tsagari; Mina Hiona; Grigoris Risvas

doi:10.22540/JFSF-04-091

Osteosarcopenic obesity, the coexistence of osteoporosis, sarcopenia and obesity and consequences in the quality of life in older adults ≥65 years-old in Greece

J Frailty Sarcopenia Falls. 2019 Dec 1;4(4):91-101. doi: 10.22540/JFSF-04-091. eCollection 2019 Dec.

Authors

Konstantia Keramidaki¹, Amalia Tsagari², Mina Hiona³, Grigoris Risvas⁴

Affiliations

¹ Outpatient Οbesity Clinic, EASO accredited Center for Obesity Management (COM), 1 Propaedeutic Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Thessaloniki, Greece.
² General Hospital of Attica «ΚΑΤ», Athens, Greece.
³ Metropolitan College, Athens, Greece.
⁴ European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians.

Abstract

Objective: We investigated the coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity in older adults≥65 years diagnosed with osteoporosis and the association with Quality of Life (QoL).

Methods: A Cross-sectional survey has been performed on a randomized sample of 50 diagnosed osteoporotic elderly people from both sexes (Men=16; Women=34).

Measurements: Quantitative ultrasound was conducted to identify osteoporosis and defined with a T score ≤2.5. Validated anthropometric equations were used in order to estimate body fat percentage and skeletal muscle mass so as to detect the reallocation of body fat and lean muscle. 10m gait speed and hand grip strength was measured in order to diagnose sarcopenia according to European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) algorithm. The evaluation of QoL was conducted using a QoL questionnaire specific to osteoporosis. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and a chi-square test was performed to examine if Osteosarcopenic Obesity (OSO) is sex related and the correlation between OSO and QoL.

Results: From the 50 participants, 40%(n=19) were classified as people with OSO and 60%(n=31) without OSO. From n=19 people that experienced OSO women represent 20% (n=9) and men 18% (n=9); with the latter had a greater decline in muscle mass than women, while women had lower BMD than men according to the z score. OSO is not related with sex (p>.05) and there is no significant association between OSO and QoL (p> .05 for all the domains of QoL questionnaire).

Conclusion: Osteoporosis in the elderly often coexists with reduced muscle mass and muscle strength as well as an increase in adiposity and was independently associated with QoL. People that experience OSO presenting lower functionality that increases the risk for falls and bone fractures originated from the decline in bone and muscle mass, and increased adiposity. Increased awareness of OSO may help develop efficient interventions and public health policies for healthier and more active elderly people.

Keywords: Frailty; Obesity; Osteopenic obesity; Quality of life; Sarcopenic obesity.