The Effects of a Multidisciplinary Residential Program on the Risk Factors of Sarcopenic Obesity: An Open-Label Trial Study in a Cohort of Institutionalized Italian Adults with Obesity

<b>Background:</b> Sarcopenic obesity, characterized by excess fat and reduced muscle mass/function, is linked to chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. <b>Methods:</b> This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a 2-month multidisciplinary residential program (MRP) on the clinical and functional outcomes associated with the risk of sarcopenia in 61 institutionalized Italian adults with obesity (mean age of 60; 36 women and 25 men; BMI ≥ 30 with metabolic comorbidities). The MRP included personalized nutrition, physical activity, and psychological support. Outcomes included anthropometric, biochemical, body composition, and physical performance measures (via Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB]), with sarcopenia risk evaluated using EWGSOP2 criteria. <b>Results:</b> Post-intervention, significant improvements were observed in SPPB scores (+0.93 units, <i>p</i> < 0.001), weight (-6.4 kg), BMI (-2.45 kg/m²), fat mass (-3.9 kg), visceral adipose tissue (-314.2 g), and fat-free mass index (-285.54 g; all <i>p</i> < 0.01). Glycemic control improved, with reductions in fasting glucose (-16.4 mg/dL), HbA1c (-0.81%), insulin (-2.77 mcU/mL), and HOMA-IR (-0.95; <i>p</i> < 0.05). Lipid profiles also improved, including total cholesterol (-21.32 mg/dL), LDL (-12.10 mg/dL), and triglycerides (-39.07 mg/dL; all <i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> The MRP effectively enhanced body composition, metabolic health, and physical function, underscoring its potential as a preferred strategy for managing sarcopenic obesity in institutional settings.