Body composition characteristics and influencing factors of different parts of sarcopenia in elderly people: A community‐based cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This study aims to describe the differences in body composition among different body parts of the elderly in the community and its relationship with sarcopenia. Methods Elderly people aged ≥65 underwent bioelectric impedance analysis testing and were categorized into a sarcopenia group, possible sarcopenia group, and control group. The characteristics of body composition indicators in different parts and their relationship with different stages of sarcopenia were analyzed. Results The sarcopenia group illustrated the lowest values of FFM, FFM%, BFM, BFM%, ICW, and limb PhA, along with higher ECW/TBW in the trunk and left leg compared to the control group. The possible sarcopenia group showed lower FFM% in limbs and trunk, and higher BFM% compared to the control group. Gender differences in elderly body composition were observed, with an increase in BFM% in various body parts posing a risk factor for possible sarcopenia in elderly males, whereas an increase in BFM% except in the left arm was a protective factor for sarcopenia in elderly females. Conclusion The body composition of the elderly in the community varied significantly in different stages of sarcopenia and genders, which correlated with sarcopenia.

Keywords

• aging
• body composition
• primary health care
• sarcopenia