A Prevalência da obesidade sarcopênica em pacientes submetidos ou não à Cirurgia Bariátrica

Abstract

Introduction: Reduced fat-free mass (FFM) and high fat mass percentage can lead individuals to sarcopenic obesity (SO), which is not only linked to aging. However, not all obese individuals will develop sarcopenia, since excess weight can stimulate the mechanical receptors of muscle and bone tissue. Thus, weight gain or loss can contribute to the development of SO. In the case of weight gain, individuals can develop it if the rate of muscle growth is lower than the accumulation of adiposity. Weight loss, on the other hand, inevitably leads to a loss of FFM, which is variable and depends on age, gender, and time spent losing weight, but which can be more pronounced in individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery (BS) or in those individuals who have experienced weight fluctuations. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate OS in individuals with extreme obesity, whether or not they have undergone bariatric surgery, since there is a close relationship with the quality of life and health of patients, and early detection can contribute to crucial strategies for preventing OS progression. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and general characteristics of OS in patients with extreme obesity, whether or not they have undergone BS. Methodology: Cross-sectional study that included adults over 18 years of age, whether or not they have undergone BS and are undergoing clinical follow-up. The protocol proposed by ESPEN/EASO was used as a diagnostic tool. Results: The sample consisted of 90.1% females and the mean age was 50.8 years. The median BMI was 39.6 kg/m2. The prevalence of OS was 28.8% in the total sample (n=111); 23.5% in post-BS patients and 43.3% in those treated clinically. Age, total body water and sedentary lifestyle were independent variables, predisposing 12%, 24% and 272% of individuals to the disease. Conclusion: OS is more associated with patients treated clinically than with patients who have already undergone surgery. Bariatric surgery was not an independent variable in this study, just as the time since surgery among those who have already undergone surgery was not an independent variable. Therefore, besides being an effective strategy for weight loss, BS did not aggravate or trigger OS.