High adiposity linked to presarcopenia and decreased cardiorespiratory fitness in sedentary young Indians independent of their high-fat–salt–sugar (HFSS) food frequency

Presarcopenia potentially affects about 10% of youth globally, which may seem an underestimate given the growing incidence of sedentarism and overnutrition. Age-independent muscle loss ("presarcopenia") has recently been linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in middle-aged adults. The early onset of cardiovascular complications, as observed in young Indians, prompts an analysis of non-traditional risk factors like presarcopenia. Therefore, we examine the correlation between musculoskeletal health (MH), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and High-saturated Fat-Salt-Sugar (HFSS) consumption in 147 healthy young Indians (mean age: 21 ± 2.16 years, 57% females). Data on body composition, CRF, physical activity, and HFSS food frequency were collected, with one-third of participants exhibiting presarcopenia and high Percent Body Fat (PBF). These traits were more common in females and individuals with normal-weight obesity (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in MH and CRF status across different HFSS frequency groups. CRF strongly correlated with obesity parameters-PBF (r = - 0.81) and visceral fat level (r = - 0.75)-while MH strongly associated with fat-free mass (r = 0.97) at p < 0.001. Since fat mass and fat-free mass are inversely linked, indirect associations between MH and CRF are inferred, suggesting obesity as a common risk factor for presarcopenia and cardiometabolic decline.