Cited by 141Nutrition and Health in AgingMuscle Physiology and DisordersHormonal and reproductive studies

Sarcopenic obesity: how do we treat it?

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Bouchonville, Matthew F., Villareal, Dennis T.·2013·Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Obesity

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The increasing prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in older adults has heightened interest in identifying the most effective treatment. This review highlights recent progress in the management, with an emphasis on lifestyle interventions and pharmacologic therapy aimed at reversing sarcopenic obesity. RECENT FINDINGS: Whereas weight loss and exercise independently reverse sarcopenic obesity, they act synergistically in combination to improve body composition and physical function, beyond which is observed with either intervention alone. Optimizing protein intake appears to have beneficial effects on net muscle protein accretion in older adults. Myostatin inhibition is associated with favorable changes in body composition in animal studies, although experience in humans is relatively limited. Testosterone and growth hormone offer improvements in body composition, but the benefits must be weighed against potential risks of therapy. GHRH-analog therapy shows promise, but further studies are needed in older adults. SUMMARY: At present, lifestyle interventions incorporating both diet-induced weight loss and regular exercise appear to be the optimal treatment for sarcopenic obesity. Maintenance of adequate protein intake is also advisable. Ongoing studies will determine whether pharmacologic therapy such as myostatin inhibitors or GHRH analogs have a role in the treatment of sarcopenic obesity.

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Authors
Bouchonville, M. F., & Villareal, D. T.
Affiliations
University of New Mexico (US)
Corresponding author
Villareal, Dennis T.
Venue
Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Obesity
Published
2013-10
Volume
20
Issue
5
Pages
412-419
ISSN
1752-296X (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2122546156
Cited by
141
References
88
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 16 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 16 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 11 · 2014: 5
FWCI
0.81
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Current Opinion in Endocrinology Diabetes and Obesity (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health (UL1TR000041, UL1TR001449, 7r01ag025501-06)
  • National Institute on Aging (R01-AG025501, R01AG031176)
  • National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Nutrition and Health in Aging
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Muscle Physiology and Disorders
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Hormonal and reproductive studies
Keywords
sarcopenic obesity, older adults, weight loss, physical activity, lifestyle intervention, protein intake, muscle protein accretion, myostatin inhibition, testosterone replacement therapy, growth hormone therapy, body composition, physical function
MeSH terms
Adult, Aged, Animals, Combined Modality Therapy, Humans, Life Style, Obesity, Testosterone, Risk Reduction Behavior, Myostatin, Sarcopenia

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