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Adipose Tissue_Appetite_and Obesity

MON-693 - Risk Factors for Sarcopenic Obesity in Adults: A Case-Control Study using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

Monday, June 15, 2026
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM CT
Location: ENDOExpo; Poster Floor
Disclosure(s):
Maria Elena Romero Ibarguengoitia, MD, PHD: No financial relationships to disclose


Background: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is defined as the coexistence of excess fat mass and low muscle mass/function. Its presence in adults is unrecognized and risk factors remain poorly characterized .

Aim: To identify clinical, pharmacological, and lifestyle factors associated with Sarcopenic obesity (SO) among Mexican adults ≥30 years using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

Methods: This retrospective, observational, case-control study analyzed records from a tertiary-care center private hospital in Northeastern Mexico (2022–2024). Adults ≥30 years who underwent BIA (InBody 570®) were included. Sarcopenia was defined by ALM (appendicular lean mass)/height² , based on the criteria proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2) [2]. Low muscle mass was defined as ALM/height² < 7.0 kg/m² for men and < 5.5 kg/m² for women, and obesity by body fat percentage (≥25% men, ≥35% women). Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of SO.

Results: Out of the total sample, 56 patients were categorized as SO and 407 as non-SO controls. The global mean (SD) age was 52.3 (10.2) and 252 (54.4%) were males. Female sex, lower physical activity, and lower BMI were significantly associated with SO in univariate analyses. In the multivariable model , protective factors included metformin use (OR=0.170, p=0.004) and increased physical activity (OR=0.996, p=0.010). Risk factors included PPI (proton pump inhibitors) use (OR=5.987, p=0.004), elevated triglycerides (OR=1.007, p=0.008), and history of dyslipidemia (OR=2.875, p=0.023), Nagelkerke R²=0.514

Conclusion: SO was significantly associated with modifiable factors. Despite neutral effects in prior studies, in this study metformin use and regular exercise were protective, whereas PPI use, elevated triglycerides and dyslipidemia were risk factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies beyond BMI, especially in adult populations.

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