BACKGROUND The coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity is referred to as sarcopenic obesity (SO) and it has been hypothesized that the two components of SO may synergistically increase their negative effects. However, many uncertainties still surround this condition especially with regard to its potential negative effects on health outcomes. AIM To conduct a systematic review to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia among adults with overweight and obesity and to investigate whether SO was associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS This study was conducted in adherence with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Literature searches, study selection, methodology development and quality appraisal were performed independently by two authors and the data were collated by means of meta-analysis and narrative synthesis. RESULTS Of the 606 articles retrieved, 11 studies that comprised a total of 60118 adults with overweight and obesity of both genders met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed, revealing two main findings. First, the overall prevalence of sarcopenia is 43% in females and 42% in males who are with overweight and obesity. Secondly, the presence of SO increases the risk of T2D by 38% with respect to those without SO (OR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.27-1.50). CONCLUSION A high prevalence of sarcopenia has been found among adults with overweight and obesity regardless of their gender and this condition seems to be associated with a higher risk of T2D. Clinician should be aware of this scenario in their clinical practice for the better management of both obesity and T2D.

Little is known about the reduction in lean body mass (LBM) and its health consequences in overweight and in obesity, especially in males. Therefore, we aimed to assess the prevalence of low LBM in treatment-seeking adult males with overweight and obesity and the association with cardiometabolic diseases, i.e., type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and dyslipidemia. A body composition assessment was conducted by a bio-impedance analyzer (InBody 170) among a total of 110 males, of whom 72 were overweight and obese and were referred to the Outpatient Clinic in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Beirut Arab University (BAU) in Lebanon, and 38 were normal-weight participants of similar ages. The participants with overweight and obesity were then categorized as being with or without low LBM. Of the sample of 72 participants, 50 (69.4%) met the criteria for reduced LBM and displayed a significantly higher prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases (i.e., type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and dyslipidemia) than those with normal LBM (36.0% vs. 9.1%; p = 0.019). Logistic regression analysis showed that low LBM increases the odds of having cardiometabolic diseases by nearly 550% (odds ratio (OR) = 5.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31–26.39, p < 0.05) after adjusting for total fat and central adiposity. Treatment-seeking adult males with overweight and obesity displayed a great prevalence of reduced LBM, which seems to be strongly associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

The last decade has seen a new condition that describes the coexistence of obesity and sarcopenia, termed sarcopenic obesity (SO). We aimed to assess the prevalence of SO in overweight and obese treatment-seeking adult women and the association with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. A body composition assessment was conducted with an InBody bioimpedance analyser in 154 overweight and obese women referred to the Outpatient Clinic in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Beirut Arab University (BAU) in Lebanon, and 30 normal-weight participants of similar age. The overweight and obese patients were then categorized as being with or without sarcopenia. Thirty-one out of the 154 overweight or obese participants met the criteria for SO and displayed a significantly higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes and hypertension than those without SO. Logistic regression analysis showed that SO increases the odds of having type 2 diabetes and hypertension by nearly 550% (odds ratio = 5.42, 95% confidence interval = 1.37–21.40, p < 0.05) after adjusting for central fat, eating habits, level of physical activity, and smoking. SO affects nearly 20% of treatment-seeking overweight and obese adult women. Moreover, SO seems to be strongly associated with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Background and aim: Research interests in a new phenotype termed sarcopenic obesity (SO), which refers to a decrease in lean body mass and muscle strength associated with an increase in body fat deposition, has grown. However, neither SO definition, nor its impact on health outcomes is clear. In the current paper, we aim to summarize the available literature on the dilemma surrounding the definition of SO, and the potential health consequences of this phenomenon on individuals with overweight and obesity. Method: A literature review using the PubMed/Medline database was conducted and data were summarized by applying a narrative approach, based on clinical expertise in the interpretation of the available evidence base in the literature. Results: Some definitions that account for body mass (i.e., body weight, body mass index) seem to be more suitable for screening of SO and revealed as clinically useful. The association between SO and certain health outcomes has been investigated, especially those related to obesity; however, little remains known about the association of SO with psychosocial distress and health-related quality of life impairment, as well as hard outcomes such as mortality. Conclusion: International consensus regarding SO definition is needed, which would allow for a better understanding of its prevalence. Moreover, future investigations should be conducted in order to determine whether SO has an adverse effect (i.e., cause-effect relationship, in addition to association) on health. Once these issues are achieved, confirmed and clarified, evidenced-based protocols of treatment may become necessary to address the increase in the prevalence of obesity and sarcopenia worldwide.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease, considered the most common inflammatory articular disease among the general population. However, not only the joints are affected; rheumatoid arthritis also has an extra-articular manifestation. As for many other chronic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis may be exacerbated by poorer lifestyle choices. In fact, recent studies emphasize the role of nutrition and physical activity in this disease. Aim: In the current paper, we aim to describe lifestyle modifications based on diet and physical activity and other recommendations that seem to improve the clinical management and the disease outcome of Rheumatoid arthritis. Results: A three-component lifestyle modification programme has been considered based on: (i) A low-fat low-sodium Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts and poor in sugar-sweetened beverages, red and processed meat and trans fats, and the supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, non-essential amino acids and probiotics, (ii) An appropriate physical activity programme based on an active daily lifestyle, aerobic exercise and resistance training and (iii) Adequate sleep hygiene and smoking reduction/cessation, that seems to have positive effects in terms of disease progression and related outcomes. Conclusion: Lifestyle modification programme should be considered as the basis of any treatment, (i.e., pharmacological treatment), in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.