Association between the metabolic syndrome and muscle weakness among Chinese older adults: results from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) may adversely influence muscle strength. However, the relationship remains poorly understood in China, despite its large older population and the high prevalence of MetS.

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the association between MetS and muscle weakness among older Chinese.

Methods: We included 2,418 older adults who completed the 2011 and 2015 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and had normal handgrip strength at baseline. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regressions.

Results: Baseline MetS was associated with increased risks for incident muscle weakness (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.08-1.67). Among all the MetS components, baseline central obesity component was predictive of muscle weakness. The association between MetS and declined muscle strength existed in men but not women.

Conclusion: There was an increased risk of muscle strength decline associated with MetS, which was more prominent in men.

Keywords: Handgrip strength; Metabolic syndrome; Muscle weakness; Older people.