Honours Project

Identification of sarcopaenic obesity in the older population

Outline

Sarcopaenia is the progressive loss of muscle mass that accompanies ageing, and is associated with increased frailty, functional impairment and reduced independence. Sarcopaenia may be accompanied by an increased deposition of body fat, resulting in sarcopaenic obesity. With the ageing of the population and the increasing prevalence of obesity, the impact of sarcopaenic obesity is likely to be significant. In sarcopaenic obesity, body composition is altered, in comparison with the distribution of body tissue characteristic of younger adults. Therefore, routine nutritional assessment tools such as the BMI may not be useful in the identification of sarcopaenic obesity and for monitoring nutritional status.

This project will aim to measure nutritional status and body composition in a group of free-living adults aged over 60 years, in order to determine the prevalence of sarcopaenic obesity, and to identify clinical tools that are useful for detecting sarcopaenia and sarcopaenic obesity in this population. Techniques used in the project will include anthropometry, DXA scanning, bioelectrical impedance analysis and clinical assessment. The project will develop skills in clinical and body composition assessment. Project outcomes are anticipated to assist dietitians and other clinicians to identify sarcopaenia in the clinical setting, which is important for implementing the most appropriate nutrition interventions in the ageing population.