Zahra Sohrabi - Department of Community Nutrition, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Nasrin Nasimi - Student Research Committee, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Mohammad Hossein Dabbaghmanesh - Shiraz Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

Background and Aim: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and sarcopenia are two common disorders that are associated with physical capacity impairment and increased risk of functional disabilities in older adults. In this study, the associations of MetS with sarcopenia and its components were investigated in elderly.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 501 functionally-independent, community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older(247 women, 254 men) participated. MetS was diagnosed according to the Nutritional Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria. Sarcopenia was defined as a low skeletal muscle mass, with low muscle strength or/and low physical performance based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS)-suggested cut-off. Muscle mass, strength, and function were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), hand dynamometer, and 4-m gait speed, respectively. Nutritional status and physical activity were assessed by validated questionnaire of mini-nutritional assessment (MNA) and international physical activity questionnaire(IPAQ).Results: The overall prevalence of MetS and sarcopenia were 34.2% and 20.8%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that metabolic syndrome was an independent predictor of sarcopenia (OR=4.13, 95%CI (1.98-8.94),P<0.001), whereas good nutritional status was a protective factor for sarcopenia (OR=0.77, 95%CI (0.70-0.86),P<0.001). Among the sarcopenia components, MetS was associated with low skeletal muscle mass index(SMI) (OR=5.50, 95%CI (2.73-11.09),P<0.001). Similarly, sarcopenia was positively associated with high triglycerides (OR= 2.06, 95%CI (1.10-3.86),P=0.023), high fasting glucose(OR=1.89, 95%CI (1.10-3.25),P=0.02), and high waist circumference(OR=6.67, 95%CI (3.00-14.85),P<0.001).Conclusion: Higher prevalence of MetS might be seen among older adults with sarcopenia. Therefore, sarcopenia may contribute to the prediction of other metabolic impairment risk factors.

sarcopenia, metabolic syndrome, nutritional status, elderly