THE ASSESSMENT OF NEW ESPEN/EASO CRITERIA FOR SARCOPENIC OBESITY IN GERIATRIC OUTPATIENTS

Introduction: The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity (SO) is increasing worldwide. It is important to diagnose and manage it. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in geriatric outpatients according to the new ESPEN/EASO criteria by investigating the effect of skeletal muscle mass adjusted for weight, height square, and body mass index (BMI), separately. Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients aged 65 years and older, who applied to the geriatric outpatient clinic. Anthropometric measurements, muscle strength (Takei digital grip strength dynamometer), and body composition (Body Stat Quadscan 4000 bioimpedance analyzer) were taken. Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) was adjusted for weight (W), BMI, and height2 . Reduced muscle mass was assessed in 3 different ways including SMM/W, SMM/BMI, and SMM/height2 . The prevalence of SO were given as SO1 (SMM/W), SO2 (SMM/BMI), and SO3 (SMM/ height2 ) Results: There were 214 older adults included in the study with a 62% female rate. Sarcopenic obesity screening, defined by the concomitant existence of an elevated BMI or waist circumference, and positive sarcopenia risk was positive in 28.5% (n=61) of patients. The prevalences of sarcopenic obesity were 16.4%, 15.0%, and 1.9% for SO1 (SMM/W), SO2 (SMM/BMI), and SO3 (SMM/ height2 ) respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity is higher when skeletal muscle mass is adjusted by weight or BMI. Using skeletal muscle mass adjusted by height2 causes underestimation of SO.