Sarcopenic obesity in older adults: the challenges of nurse’s role
Keywords:
sarcopenic obesity, elderly, nurse’s roleAbstract
Sarcopenic obesity is a widespread issue among the elderly worldwide, significantly affecting their daily lives, elevating the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases, and making the body more susceptible to infections, which can become severe. This condition also has adverse effects on emotional and psychosocial well-being, leading to a decreased quality of life for both the elderly and their caregivers. While sarcopenic obesity is a prevalent problem globally, its prevalence ranges from 4.8% to 42.9%, varying according to diagnostic criteria; however, it has not been reported in Thailand. Moreover, there are no established guidelines for evaluating and caring for the health of obese elderly individuals with low muscle mass. This gap in knowledge might be due to the disease’s gradual progression and lack of specific symptoms or signs, resulting in limited awareness among medical professionals, including nurses. This article is created with the objective of reviewing the knowledge related to sarcopenic obesity, encompassing definitions and diagnostic criteria for obesity, the disease’s situation, its impact, risk factors, and disease characteristics. Additionally, it addresses the challenging role of nurses in preventing and controlling the disease. In this context, nurses hold a crucial role, deeply involved in the care of the elderly. They face the challenging task of identifying those at risk, conducting health assessments, diagnosing illnesses, preventing health issues, and promoting overall well-being. Additionally, nurses offer rehabilitation services to individuals with existing conditions, thereby averting potential complications and supporting the elderly in leading longer lives with improved living conditions and enhanced quality of life.
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