Background: The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity among adults aged ≥65 years is increasing worldwide. It is a condition that describes the concomitant presence of sarcopenia and obesity, but it appears to be associated with greater increases in the risks for disability, morbidity, and mortality than the two conditions combined. The current review aims to summarize the available literature data on the effectiveness of lifestyle modification for the management of this high-risk geriatric syndrome. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, for publications published from January 1950 to June 2024. Results: The detection of early preventive and therapeutic approaches to combat sarcopenic obesity is essential for healthy aging. There is ample evidence that suggests that poor dietary habits and physical inactivity are the main reasons for the development of sarcopenic obesity and should thus be the main targets for intervention. In the absence of effective pharmacological interventions, the best effect on sarcopenic obesity is achieved by combination with proper dietary intervention and regular physical activity according to the individual’s health condition. Conclusions. Further research is needed to discover the most effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenic obesity, as well as potential pharmacological options to improve muscle mass and function in older populations with physical restrictions.

The presence of isolated low bone density of a single lumbar vertebra (difference of above 1 SD T-score between two adjacent vertebrae without a probable explanatory reason) seems to be one of the unsolved issues in clinical densitometry. The present study aims to investigate the epidemiology of the latter mentioned difference in BMD. In a prospective manner 4027 apparently healthy Bulgarian women between 50 and 65 years of age underwent а scan of the lumbar spine (L1–L4) on a DXA machine – Hologic Discovery A. The data were collected and analysed with the statistical package SPSS. In the observed group the incidence of the difference of above 1 SD T-score between two adjacent lumbar vertebrae without a causal visible abnormality is quite low – 1.34% (n = 54). In the study population, the mean T-score was 1.49 (±0.469 SD) and the difference itself was between – 1 and – 2.6 SD T-score. A consensus statement and a guideline for further clinical management of patients with this finding are necessary to be created.

Purpose of Review: Obesity is a growing global health challenge, with severe obesity projected to affect up to 25% of individuals with obesity by 2030. Bariatric surgery remains the most effective treatment, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying its metabolic benefits are not fully understood. This review summarizes current evidence on the role of microRNAs in bariatric/metabolic surgery and evaluates their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Recent Findings: Bariatric surgery induces significant alterations in circulating and tissue-specific miRNA profiles, particularly those involved in glucose metabolism, inflammation, and adipose tissue remodeling. Among the most frequently reported candidates, miR-122, miR-221, miR-27a, miR-126, miR-144, miR-222, miR-223, miR-375, miR-92a, and miR-155 have been associated with weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and diabetes remission. Emerging data suggest that these miRNAs may act not only as biomarkers of metabolic recovery but also as regulators of insulin signaling, inflammatory pathways, and adipocyte function. Summary: Current evidence supports a role for miRNAs in the metabolic adaptations observed after bariatric surgery. Although further validation is required, miRNAs show promise as minimally invasive biomarkers for predicting and monitoring treatment response and may provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying obesity remission and improvement of obesity-related comorbidities.