A recent scientific study has shown that the risk of death increases with the accumulation of abdominal fat and loss of muscle mass in people over 50. The study, conducted by the University of São Carlos in Brazil over 14 years, used data from more than 5,400 people aged 50 and older. Researchers reached the following conclusions: the risk of death during the study period was 83% higher in individuals with obesity accompanied by muscle wasting, compared to those without it. For individuals with low muscle mass but without abdominal obesity, the mortality rate increased by 40%. In contrast, the mortality rate for those with abdominal obesity but sufficient muscle mass was similar to that of individuals without these factors. Researchers explained that excess fat exacerbates inflammatory processes that alter metabolism, which in turn worsens muscle loss. This systemic and exacerbated inflammation directly affects muscle tissue; fat infiltrates the muscles and replaces it. Obesity accompanied by muscle wasting is also known as sarcopenia, and it is linked to loss of independence and a decline in the quality of life for the elderly. It is often difficult to diagnose and requires expensive tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), bioimpedance analysis, or bone density measurement.
