Sarcopenic obesity: A geriatric syndrome marked by concurrent muscle atrophy and excessive adiposity

Sarcopenic obesity constitutes a multifaceted pathophysiological condition that emerges with advancing age, defined by the paradoxical coexistence of two opposing phenomena: a progressive increase in overall body mass—primarily driven by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue—concomitant with degenerative muscle deterioration, manifested as reductions in both lean muscle mass and functional capacity. The diagnosis of this syndrome hinges on meeting strictly delineated criteria, which include a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 35 kilograms per square meter, a total body fat percentage surpassing 35%, a fat mass index of at least 9.5 kg/m², alongside a skeletal muscle mass index falling below two standard deviations from the mean reference values established for the 18–39-year-old population cohort.