Search

Abstract Many studies support the idea that sarcopenic obesity (SO) could be considered a potential risk factor for negative health outcomes. These results have been inconsistent, and no umbrella reviews exist regarding this topic. Several databases until November 2023 were searched for systematic reviews with meta‐analysis of observational studies (cross‐sectional, case–control and prospective). For each association, random‐effects summary effect sizes with correspondent 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were evaluated using the GRADE tool. Among the 213 papers initially screened, nine systematic reviews with meta‐analysis were included, for a total of 384 710 participants. In cross‐sectional and case–control studies, 30 different outcomes were analysed, and 18 were statistically significant. In any population addressed in cross‐sectional and case–control studies, compared with non‐SO, SO increased the prevalence of cognitive impairment (k = 3; odds ratio [OR] = 3.46; 95% CI: 2.24–5.32; high certainty of evidence), coronary artery disease (k = 2; OR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.85–3.31) and dyslipidaemia (k = 3; OR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.51–4.15). When compared with sarcopenia or obesity, the results were conflicting. In prospective studies, the association between SO—compared with non‐SO—and other negative outcomes was supported by low/very low certainty of evidence and limited to a few conditions. Besides, no comparison with sarcopenia or obesity was provided. Finally, only a few studies have considered muscle function/physical performance in the diagnostic workup. SO could be considered a risk factor only for a few conditions, with the literature mainly based on cross‐sectional and case–control studies. Future studies with clear definitions of SO are needed for quantifying the importance of SO—particularly when compared with the presence of only sarcopenia or obesity—and the weight of muscle function/physical performance in its definition.

Hearing loss is a common condition in older people. Increasing research has shown that this condition is associated with a higher risk of several health problems. The aim of this survey made among the members of the Societa' Italiana Geriatria Ospedale e Territorio (SIGOT) is to explore how far hearing loss is known in the Italian geriatric community and how to develop a collaboration with other services. A short survey (taking approximately 5 min to complete) was freely available on the SIGOT website and disseminated using social channels. The questionnaire was available during the whole year of 2021. The questionnaire specifically addressed general characteristics/ demographics, general attention to hearing loss problem in older people and relationships with the National Health System, and personal opinions regarding hearing loss. A total of 122 participants (mainly females and aging between 61-70 years) from all Italian Regions were included. The SIGOT members answered that they consider hearing loss as clinically relevant is always important (55.7%). Unfortunately, many members had not audiological centers or specialists available. Moreover, 38.5% of SIGOT members reported that the possibility of correction of hearing loss with prostheses or cochlear implants in older people is very good for older patients and that in 87.7% a significant improvement in quality of life was observed. The interest in hearing loss problems in older people perceived by the SIGOT members is elevated, but some barriers, particularly in the availability of other specialists and in the services given by National Health System are still very limited.