Sarcopenic obesity and cardiometabolic indicators in older adults in Latin America: an updated systematic review, 2015-2026

Abstract

Sarcopenic obesity combines excess adiposity with reduced muscle mass or function and may 
be associated with cardiometabolic abnormalities in older adults. This updated systematic 
review synthesized the evidence available in Latin America from 2015 to 2026 through a 
regional search and structured narrative synthesis. Four reports representing four independent 
Brazilian cohorts were included. The studies identified significant associations with glycemia 
and interleukin-6, as well as a multivariable association between elevated glycemia and the 
presence of sarcopenic obesity. In contrast, findings for lipid profile, hypertension, and 
cardiovascular outcomes were predominantly non-significant. Regional evidence remains 
scarce, cross-sectional, and concentrated in Brazil; therefore, it does not allow causal inference 
or generalization to all of Latin America. Longitudinal, multicenter studies using standardized 
diagnostic criteria are needed to clarify the magnitude and consistency of these associations.