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The coexistence of diminished muscle mass and increased fat mass is referred to as ‘sarcopenic obesity’ or what we have termed ‘sarcobesity’ and is ultimately manifested by impaired mobility and/or development of life-style-related diseases. Accordingly, the critical health issue for a large proportion of adults in developed nations is how to lose fat mass while preserving muscle mass. Several recent reviews in this SNS-032 journal have focused on the pathophysiology and treatment of sarcopenia in the elderly [3] as well as the effects of menopause on sarcopenia [4]. In the present review we consider evidence for exercise-nutrient interventions as counter-measures for sarcobesity and the health benefits of nutrient-rich, high-protein diets and appropriate exercise regimens.
2. Sarcobesity: a double-edged sword
Skeletal muscle mass is critical to metabolic health with fundamental roles in whole-body glucose disposal and insulin sensitivity as well as mobility and functional capacity [5]. Peak skeletal muscle mass is generally attained within the first three decades of life and thereafter begins to decline with the incidence and severity of sarcopenia progressively increasing over the remaining lifespan. Muscle mass is lost in the course of healthy ageing from age 30. This loss is accelerated to a rate of approximately 1% per year after the age of 65 [6] and [7] and is associated with a corresponding 2–3 fold loss in strength [7].