Basel Habboub, Robert Speer, Markus Gosch, Katrin Singler
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Sarcopenia is a progressive, generalized disease of skeletal muscle characterized by a loss of muscle strength and muscle mass. The combination of obesity and sarcopenia is called sarcopenic obesity. Because of the aging of the population in many countries around the world, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity are a challenge for global health policy.
Methods: This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective literature search.
Results: The effects of sarcopenia on health and quality of life are far-reaching and include difficulty coping with everyday life, an increased risk of falling, frequent hospitalization, and increased mortality. A population-based study in Germany revealed a 7% prevalence of sarcopenia in adults aged 65 and above. The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity was 4.5%. Persons aged 65 and above who are at increased risk for sarcopenia should be screened, e.g., with the SARC-F questionnaire. If screening yields a suggestive finding (SARC-F ≥ 4 points), the diagnosis of sarcopenia should be confirmed or ruled out by measurements of muscle strength (e.g. hand-grip strength, reference values: women <16 kg, men <27 kg) and appendicular muscle mass (women <5.5 kg/m2, men <7.0 kg/m2). The demonstration of reduced muscle strength is sufficient to initiate treatment. For the diagnosis of sarcopenic obesity, increased fat mass is additionally required. The goal of treatment is to improve mobility and reduce negative health outcomes. The treatment consists of resistance training and nutritional interventions.
Conclusion: A targeted and structured approach to the detection and treatment of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity can make a major contribution to the maintenance or improvement of these patients' functionality and quality of life.
期刊介绍:
Deutsches Ärzteblatt International is a bilingual (German and English) weekly online journal that focuses on clinical medicine and public health. It serves as the official publication for both the German Medical Association and the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. The journal is dedicated to publishing independent, peer-reviewed articles that cover a wide range of clinical medicine disciplines. It also features editorials and a dedicated section for scientific discussion, known as correspondence.
The journal aims to provide valuable medical information to its international readership and offers insights into the German medical landscape. Since its launch in January 2008, Deutsches Ärzteblatt International has been recognized and included in several prestigious databases, which helps to ensure its content is accessible and credible to the global medical community. These databases include:
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By being indexed in these databases, Deutsches Ärzteblatt International's articles are made available to researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals worldwide, contributing to the global exchange of medical knowledge and research.