Investigating the Prevalence and Interrelationship of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity in older care home residents with frailty

Abstract

Introduction: The older population is growing worldwide, leading to a higher prevalence of malnutrition, disability, and institutionalization. Frailty in this population is often exacerbated by overlapping conditions such as malnutrition, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity (SO), each contributing to functional and physiological decline. Early detection through validated screening and assessment tools is essential for timely intervention. The study aimed to 1. investigate the prevalence of malnutrition, sarcopenia, SO, and frailty among older adults residing in care homes, 2. Raising awareness about sarcopenia through an educational video. Methods: This multi-component cross-sectional observational study assessed nutritional status using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Full Form (MNA-FF), the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Sarcopenia and SO were evaluated according to the EWGSOP2 algorithm. Screening for sarcopenia was conducted using the SARC-F questionnaire which assess Strength, Assistance with walking, Rise from a chair, Climbing stairs, and Falls. Muscle strength was measured using Hand Grip Strength (HGS), while muscle quantity and quality were assessed via Bioelectrical Impedance Spectroscopy (BIS). Results: Malnutrition prevalence was 11.5% and 46.2% by MNA and GLIM respectively. Sarcopenia prevalence was 80.8%, 96,2% and 73% as assessed by the SARC-F questionnaire, HGS and CC, respectively. 65% of participants had sarcopenia, frailty and malnutrition. An independent analysis of sarcopenia, obesity, and SO, revealed that 43.8% of residents had sarcopenia, 62.5% had obesity and only 37.5% were classified as having SO. Discussion: The high co-occurrence of malnutrition, sarcopenia and frailty underscores the need for integrated screening and intervention strategies within care home settings. The relatively low prevalence of sarcopenia among people living with obesity (PLWO), highlights the current challenges in identifying SO.