The baseline prevalence of sarcopenic obesity among Taiwanese older adults was 2.0% using the 2025 Asia-Oceania consensus definition, with hypertension and diabetes as independent predictors of deterioration and exercise and higher education as protective factors.
Key Findings
Results
The baseline prevalence of sarcopenic obesity (SO) among Taiwanese older adults aged 65 and above was 2.0%, with women showing higher rates than men.
Study population: 1048 participants aged ≥65 years from the Taichung Community Health Study for Elders (TCHS-E)
Overall SO prevalence was 2.0%
Women showed higher SO rates than men (2.6% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001)
Classification used the 2025 Asia-Oceania sarcopenic obesity consensus definition
Participants were categorized into healthy, possible SO, and SO groups based on BMI, waist circumference, body composition (DXA/BIA), and physical function
Results
The 1-year incidence of SO was 1% and the 1-year incidence of possible SO was 3%.
1-year incidence of SO: 1%
1-year incidence of possible SO: 3%
The authors describe the 1-year incidence of SO as 'relatively low'
Transitions across SO status categories were assessed at 1-year follow-up
Results
Hypertension and diabetes were independent predictors of SO deterioration in fully adjusted models.
Hypertension: OR = 3.67 (95% CI: 1.26–10.66)
Diabetes: OR = 4.01 (95% CI: 1.07–15.12)
Both associations were identified in fully adjusted logistic regression models
These cardiometabolic comorbidities were characterized as significant risk factors for SO status worsening
Results
Regular exercise and higher education were protective factors associated with improvement in SO status.
Regular exercise showed a protective association: OR = 0.46 in age/sex-adjusted models
Higher education level was also identified as a protective factor promoting improvement
These factors were identified using logistic regression for 1-year status changes
The protective effect of exercise was reported in age/sex-adjusted (not fully adjusted) models
Results
Cognitive impairment correlated with unfavorable SO trajectories over 1 year.
Cognitive impairment was associated with unfavorable SO status transitions
This finding was identified through logistic regression analysis of 1-year status changes
Cognitive impairment was assessed via questionnaire-based data collection at baseline
Conclusions
Female sex and advanced age were identified as significant factors increasing risk of SO deterioration.
Female sex was associated with higher baseline SO prevalence (2.6% vs. 1.5% in men, p < 0.001)
Advanced age was noted as a significant risk factor for deterioration risk alongside female sex and cardiometabolic comorbidities
These findings were highlighted in the conclusions as key demographic determinants
What This Means
This research examined how common sarcopenic obesity (SO) — a condition where a person has both excess body fat and low muscle mass or poor physical function — is among older adults in Taiwan, and what factors predict whether it gets better or worse over one year. Using data from over 1,000 adults aged 65 and older in Taichung, the study found that about 2% already had SO at the start of the study, with women affected more often than men. Over the following year, roughly 1% of participants developed SO and 3% developed a milder precursor condition called 'possible SO.'
The study found that older adults with high blood pressure or diabetes were significantly more likely to see their condition worsen — those with hypertension were about 3.7 times more likely and those with diabetes about 4 times more likely to deteriorate. On the other hand, people who exercised regularly and those with higher levels of education were more likely to improve or stay stable. Cognitive impairment was also linked to worse outcomes over time.
This research suggests that sarcopenic obesity in older Taiwanese adults is relatively uncommon but is influenced by a combination of health conditions, lifestyle factors, and social factors. The findings point to the potential importance of managing chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, encouraging physical activity, and considering cognitive health as part of efforts to prevent or slow this condition in aging populations.
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Hsiang-Han Kao, Tsung-Po Chen, Tsai-Chung Li, Chia-Ing Li, Chiu-Shong Liu, Chuan-Wei Yang, et al.. (2026). Prevalence and one-year transition of sarcopenic obesity in Taiwan - using new definition from Asia-Oceania sarcopenic obesity consensus.. Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfma.2026.08.056