As a young adult, Mr. Lowery was an athletic man. He lifted weights, jogged several times per week, played recreational baseball, and coached his kids' little league teams. At age 38, Mr. Lowery was 6’1”, weighed 196 pounds, had a waist circumference of 34 inches, and had 19% body fat. Now that he is 70 years old, arthritis in his hips and knees limits his mobility and he is not as active as he used to be. Over the past three decades, he has gained 40 pounds, his waist circumference is now 45 inches, and his body fat percentage is 33%. What term best describes the changes in body composition exemplified by Mr. Lowery?

Question

Multiple Choice
Arthritic cachexia
Sarcopenic obesity
Morbid obesity
Pernicious anemia

Answer 1

The term that best describes the changes in body composition exemplified by Mr. Lowery is sarcopenic obesity.

Sarcopenic obesity refers to the condition where there is an increase in body fat coupled with a decrease in muscle mass and strength as a result of aging and decreased activity levels. Mr. Lowery's significant gain in body fat percentage, along with the mobility limitations due to arthritis, aligns with this definition.