The Effects of a Multidisciplinary Residential Program on Risk Factors of Sarcopenic Obesity: An Open Label Trial Study in a Cohort of Institutionalized Italian Obese Older Adults

Background. Sarcopenic obesity, characterized by excess fat and reduced muscle mass/function, is linked to chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Methods. This study assessed a 2-month multidisciplinary residential program (MRP) for improving clinical and functional outcomes in 61 institutionalized obese Italian adults (mean age 60; 36 women, 25 men; BMI ≥30 with metabolic comorbidities). The MRP included personalized nutrition, physical activity, and psychological support. Outcomes included anthropometric, biochemical, body composition, and physical performance measures (via Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB]), with sarcopenia risk evaluated using EWGSOP2 criteria. Results. Post-intervention, significant improvements were observed in SPPB scores (+0.93 units, p<0.001), weight (-6.4 kg), BMI (-2.45 kg/m²), fat mass (-3.9 kg), visceral adipose tissue (-314.2 g), and fat-free mass index (-285.54 g; all p<0.01). Glycemic control improved, with reductions in fasting glucose (-16.4 mg/dL), HbA1c (-0.81%), insulin (-2.77 mcU/mL), and HOMA-IR (-0.95; p<0.05). Lipid profiles also improved: total cholesterol (-21.32 mg/dL), LDL (-12.10 mg/dL), and triglycerides (-39.07 mg/dL; all p<0.001). Conclusion. The MRP effectively enhanced body composition, metabolic health, and physical function, underscoring its potential as a preferred strategy for managing sarcopenic obesity in institutional settings.