Research Letter

Muscle strength is associated with adipose tissue gene expression of inflammatory adipokines in postmenopausal women SIR—Ageing is associated with declines in physical function that lead to physical disability and loss of independence [1, 2]. Traditionally, loss of muscle mass has been thought of as the most important factor leading to loss of physical function and onset of disability. However, the number of older per-sons with excess fat mass is increasing [3], and a growing body of evidence shows obesity is an independent risk factor for ageing-related disability. Cross-sectional data show a higher prevalence of frailty, low function and disability, with higher body mass index (BMI) and fat mass, even in older persons with a normal amount of lean mass [4–7]. Longitu-dinal data also support a greater decline in physical functio