Understanding the causes of sarcopenic obesity in older adults

Dissecting the Molecular and Cellular Pathophysiology of Sarcopenic Obesity in the Elderly

IRCCS San Raffaele · NCT06320158

This study looks at how obesity and loss of muscle in older adults are connected and what causes this problem, focusing on people who are having hip surgery and healthy seniors.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1108 (estimated)
Ages65 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS San Raffaele (other)
Locations1 site (Milan)
Trial IDNCT06320158 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind sarcopenic obesity, a condition affecting the elderly characterized by the coexistence of obesity and reduced muscle mass. By evaluating patients who are candidates for hip surgery and healthy older adults, the study seeks to uncover how increased fat mass and decreased muscle tissue contribute to this growing public health issue. The research will focus on the interplay between chronic inflammation, hormonal changes, and metabolic alterations in skeletal muscle. Through clinical evaluations, the study hopes to provide insights into the pathophysiology of sarcopenic obesity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include elderly individuals aged 65 and older who are candidates for hip surgery or healthy older adults with specific BMI criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with inflammatory or neurological myopathies, acute heart failure, or active cancer may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and management strategies for sarcopenic obesity, improving health outcomes for elderly patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific molecular mechanisms of sarcopenic obesity are not extensively studied, related research on obesity and sarcopenia has shown promising results in understanding these conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

patients who are candidates for hip surgery

* patients who are candidates for hip surgery
* age ≥ 65 years
* patients able to give consent

healthy subjects

\- healthy subjects from the geriatric cohort studied in 2016-2017 who at that time were: were overweight (25 ≤ BMI \< 30 kg/m2) or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) but had not yet developed sarcopenia

Exclusion Criteria:

All partecipants

* unavailability to participate in the study
* inflammatory or neurological myopathies
* acute heart failure
* active cancer

Where this trial is running

Milan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Sarcopenic Obesity

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.