The Evolving Landscape of Sarcopenia in Asia: A Systematic review and meta-analysis following the 2019 Asian working group for sarcopenia (AWGS) diagnostic criteria

Background: Sarcopenia, characterized by age-related loss of muscle mass and function, poses a significant public health concern, particularly in Asia's rapidly aging population. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the current epidemiology of sarcopenia in Asia using the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) diagnostic criteria.

Methods: Databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane were systematically searched for studies published until December 7, 2023, involving older adults aged ≥ 60 years diagnosed with sarcopenia using the 2019 AWGS criteria in Asia. Study quality was assessed, and meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of sarcopenia, possible sarcopenia, and severe sarcopenia.

Results: A total of 140 studies, collectively involving 156,325 participants (67.1 % community-dwelling older adults with the minimum age for participant inclusion ranging from 60 to 80 years) from various Asian countries, were included. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults was 16.5 % (95 % CI: 14.7 %-18.4 %). Notably, the prevalence of possible sarcopenia was higher at 28.7 % (95 % CI: 22.0 %-36.5 %), while severe sarcopenia had a lower prevalence of 4.4 % (95 % CI: 3.3 %-5.8 %). Subgroup analyses revealed variations in sarcopenia prevalence based on diagnostic modalities, ranging from 7.5 % (95 % CI: 6.0 %-9.4 %) for assessments using bioelectrical impedance analysis, handgrip strength, gait speed, chair stand and short physical performance battery, to 20.8 % (95 % CI: 18.9 %-23.0 %) when using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry coupled with muscle strength and physical performance measures.

Conclusion: This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis highlights the substantial burden of sarcopenia among older adults in Asia, underscoring the need for early identification and intervention strategies to mitigate its adverse consequences on public health.