Revista Multidisciplinar Epistemología de Las Ciencias · Oct 9, 2026
Sarcopenic obesity and cardiometabolic indicators in older adults in Latin America: updated systematic review, 2015-2026
By Velasteguí CSV
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.