Ocorrência da sarcopenia e suas principais complicações em idosos obesos

Abstract

Introduction: The world population is aging. It is estimated that in Brazil, in the last 60 years, there has been an increase of more than 15 million elderly individuals. The Ministry of Health accepts that in the elderly, defined as 60 years or older, there is an increase in the prevalence of chronic and disabling diseases, such as obesity and sarcopenia. The latter is defined by the gradual loss of skeletal muscle mass which results in a reduction in both muscle endurance and muscle strength.Objective: To identify the prevalence of sarcopenia among obese elderly who are followed up at the Obesity Outpatient Clinic of CESUPA Medical Center (CEMEC).Methodology: The study analyzed 14 patients who were enrolled at the CEMEC Obesity Outpatient Clinic. Data collection was performed in 2 steps. In the first, data on age, gender, previous diagnoses and occurrence of falls were collected in a specific research form. Then, the participants were submitted to anthropometric measurements, body composition evaluation and functional performance tests. Bioimpedance, Grip Hand Strength Test, Timed up and go and Gait Speed were used. The 2018 European Criteria (EWGSOP2) were used as a reference for the diagnosis of sarcopenia.Results: It was observed that none of the analyzed sample had a diagnosis for sarcopenia, however, two patients had lower palmar grip strength, which was classified as probable sarcopenia.Conclusion: This study concluded that although results were negative to confirm the diagnosis of sarcopenia in the sample, relevant changes in body composition and physical performance were perceived, thus contributing in the future to the establishment of a condition with sarcopenia and its complications.