Improving Body Composition, Strength, Function and Health Related Quality of Life in Older Individuals With Sarcopenic Obesity Through Lifestyle Modifications

Sarcopenic Obesity is associated with advanced ageing and is characterised by increased adipose tissue and loss of muscle mass, strength and/or function. The combination of sarcopenia and obesity can predispose older individuals to more functional disabilities than either of these two conditions alone, leading eventually to increased rates of morbidity and mortality. Lifestyle interventions focusing on physical activity and diet have been suggested as an effective tackling strategy. However, there is limited evidence on the efficacy of such interventions in sarcopenic obese individuals over 65 years of age. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the impact of a high protein energy-restriction diet and a mixed exercise program on body composition, strength, functionality and quality of life in older people with sarcopenic obesity.

This is a prospective randomised control trial among independent living sarcopenic obese community-dwellers. Eligible participants are people over 65y who experience increased adiposity (% body fat >28% in men and >40% in women) and low skeletal muscle index (SMI <10.75 kg/m2 in men and <6.75kg/m2 in women). Fifty (50) participants will be randomly allocated to either the exercise group (EX) or the exercise plus high protein energy-restricted diet group (EXD). Each group will undergo 3 exercise sessions/ week for a period of 16 weeks. The exercise sessions will be similar for both groups and will incorporate aerobic, resistance, balance and flexibility elements. The EXD group will receive a 500kcal-deficit diet plan and a milk-based protein supplement (ProMilk 50 by Myprotein; 50 g milk protein/ 500 ml bottle) to consume every day (at post-workout on exercise days or as a pre-bed snack on non-exercising days). The protein consumption will be in the range of 1.2-1.5 g.kg bw-1. A total weekly dose of 75mcg Vitamin D3 (3 x 25mcg) will be administered orally to all participants to avoid potential confounders associated with Vitamin D deficiency/hypovitaminosis. The primary and secondary outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, week 10 and week 16.