Association between Fat Mass, Total Energy Metabolism, and Sarcopenia in Older Zhuang Adults from Southwest China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia and associated risk factors among older Zhuang adults residing in Southwest China. Methods: A total of 1757 participants aged 60 years, comprising 1015 females and 742 males were recruited. The height and weight were determined using a height meter and scale, respectively. The skeletal muscle mass index was estimated using a bioelectrical impedance analysis-based body composition analysis to quantify the muscle mass of the upper and lower limbs, fat mass, total energy metabolism, and basal metabolism. Results: The total prevalence of sarcopenia was 29.37%, including 12.92% male and 16.45% female, The prevalence rates of male and female were 30.59% and 28.47%, respectively. The sarcopenia group was older and had lower BMI, fat mass, basal metabolism, and total energy metabolism (p β = 0.585, p β = 0.313, p β = 0.116, p β = 0.001, p OR = 11.860, 95% CI: 5.691 - 24.717, p OR = 1.952, 95% CI: 1.769 - 2.154, p OR = 0.193, 95% CI: 0.157 - 0.237, p OR = 0.993, 95% CI: 0.992 – 0.994, p Conclusion: The frequency of male sarcopenia in the senior population of Zhuang is greater than that of females. Low BMI, fat mass, basal metabolism, and total energy metabolism were seen in individuals with sarcopenia. Age and fat mass are risk factors for sarcopenia. Total energy metabolism is a sarcopenia preventive factor.