Waist size may outperform BMI in detecting hidden risks for older adults
A new study in BMC Geriatrics suggests waist circumference may be a better tool than BMI for detecting sarcopenic obesity in older adults. Researchers Dong, Wu, Chai, and colleagues found that this simple measurement links more strongly to declines in muscle strength, cognitive function, and mental health. The findings highlight a need for improved screening in aging populations.
Sarcopenic obesity combines excess body fat with reduced muscle mass and strength, yet it often goes undiagnosed. Traditional BMI measurements struggle to distinguish fat from muscle, leading to misclassificationâespecially in older adults. Waist circumference, however, directly assesses central adiposity, which is more closely tied to metabolic issues and neurodegenerative risks.
The study compared BMI and waist circumference in predicting mental health and cognitive health outcomes. Results showed that depressive symptoms and cognitive decline were more strongly associated with sarcopenic obesity when identified using waist measurements. Central obesity contributes to inflammation, insulin resistance, and neuroinflammationâpathways that worsen both physical and psychological health.
Despite earlier research (such as Batsis et al. 2014 and Donini et al. 2016) emphasising the condition's impact, diagnosis rates remain low worldwide. Countries like the US, Germany, Italy, and Japan report little progress in detection by 2026, largely due to inconsistent screening and limited clinical awareness.
The research advocates for waist circumference as a standard screening tool in geriatric care. Early identification of sarcopenic obesity could help target interventions for those at risk of compounded physical and psychological decline. Clinicians are urged to adopt a broader assessment approach, considering both body composition and psychological well-being in older patients.
