Sarcopenic Obesity: Correlation with Clinical, Functional, and Psychological Status in a Rehabilitation Setting

Obesity and sarcopenia combination, appropriately defined as sarcopenic obesity (SO), due to disproportionally reduced/low lean body mass compared to excess fat mass, may lead to disability. Aims: The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship among sarcopenic obesity, physical performance, disability, and quality of life in a rehabilitation setting. Methods: Participants were recruited among obese patients (BMI> 30 kg/m2) admitted to the rehabilitation facility at the De-partment of Experimental Medicine, Medical Physiopatology, Food Science and Endocrinology Sec-tion during a 1-year period. A multidimensional evaluation was performed through bioelectrical impedance analysis and anthropometry, handgrip strength test, Short Physical Performance Bat-tery (SPPB), 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and blood chemistry parameters. Psychological status (SCL-90 questionnaire), quality of life, and comorbidity (Charlson comorbidity index score) were also evaluated. Obesity was diagnosed as increased fat mass by 35 % in women and by 25 % in men