Background:
In the last two decades, a new phenotype termed Sarcopenic Obesity (SO),
in which sarcopenia and obesity coexist, has emerged.
Objective:
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was first to assess the prevalence of
Metabolic syndrome (Mets) among individuals with and without SO, and second, to determine if
SO may increase the relative risk of Mets.
Methods:
This study was conducted in adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic
Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the data were collated by means of metaanalysis
and narrative synthesis.
Results:
Twelve studies including a total of 11,308 adults with overweight or obesity of both genders
met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed, revealing two main findings. First, a similar
overall prevalence of Mets in individuals with SO (61.49%; 95% CI: 52.19-70.40) when compared
to those without SO (56.74%; 95% CI: 47.32-65.93) was identified. Second, the presence of SO
appears not to increase the risk of Mets with respect to those without SO (RR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.99-
1.17, p = 0.07).
Conclusion:
No higher prevalence of Mets among individuals with SO when compared to those
with obesity only, nor a significant association between SO and a higher risk of Mets was found.
MicroRNAs in obesity, sarcopenia, and commonalities for sarcopenic obesity: a systematic review
