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Sarcopenic obesity in aging population: current status and future directions for research

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Abstract

The combination of sarcopenia and obesity, an age-related change in body composition, is a concern in the aged society. Sarcopenic obesity is not the combination of two conditions, but is more related to cardio-metabolic and functional abnormalities. Sarcopenic obesity is associated with more physical functional decline than simple obesity. Sarcopenic obesity may be more insulin resistant, and have a higher risk for metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis than simple obesity. However, the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity differs substantially among studies because of the lack of a standard definition. For further understanding of the pathophysiological role of sarcopenic obesity, a standardized definition for both sarcopenia and obesity is necessary.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (#23390188, #22659143), a Research Promotion Award from Ehime University, and a Research Fund from Suzuken Memorial Foundation.

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Kohara, K. Sarcopenic obesity in aging population: current status and future directions for research. Endocrine 45, 15–25 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-013-9992-0

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