The emerging global phenomenon of sarcopenic obesity: Role of functional foods; a conference report

Globally, obesity rates remain high and rates of related co-morbidities, e.g., metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, continue to escalate. Poor diet, lifestyle, and an aging population has led to the emergence of “sarcopenic obesity” - characterized by low skeletal muscle mass/strength, combined with excess body fat, much of which is visceral. Surrounding the body's critical organs, visceral fat stimulates systemic inflammation and is an increasingly serious risk factor for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Nutrition survey data suggest that populations are becoming overfed, yet undernourished, contributing simultaneously to a greater prevalence of sarcopenic obesity and elevated rates of chronic disease and nutrient inadequacy. Nutrition and public health policies need to evolve, including finding an alternative to BMI for assessing healthy body weight, raising awareness of the importance of sustainable physical activity with aging, emphasizing the nutrient density of the diet, and greater consideration of dietary protein and bioactive nutrient intake.