The decision support system for preventing non-elderly sarcopenia: Data from NHANES 2011–2018

Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function. This study aimed to identify independent factors influencing sarcopenia in a non-elderly population.

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 17 883 participants in the 2011–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). After the exclusion of individuals with missing data, a final analytical cohort comprised 11 288 participants aged 18–60. This study examined variables including demographic characteristics (age, sex, race), body mass index (BMI), lifestyle factors (vigorous activity, moderate activity, and activity time), dietary habits, laboratory tests, and health status (including sarcopenia). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent factors influencing sarcopenia in the non-elderly population.

Among the 11 288 participants, 5 596 (49.57%) were men and 5 692 (50.43%) were women. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified several factors significantly influencing the occurrence of sarcopenia, including sex, age, race, BMI, total caloric intake (TKCAL), vigorous work activity, moderate work activity, and sedentary behavior. In the multivariable analysis, male (OR ​= ​11.00, 95% CI: 7.79–15.52, p ​< ​0.001), lower BMI (OR ​= ​0.41, 95% CI: 0.38–0.44, p ​< ​0.001), higher caloric intake (OR ​= ​1.00, 95% CI: 1.00–1.00, p ​= ​0.037), and increased sedentary time (OR ​= ​1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.10, p ​< ​0.001) were significantly associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia. Stepwise logistic regression subgroup analysis further confirmed that vigorous work activity (OR ​= ​0.67, 95% CI: 0.49–0.92, p ​= ​0.012) was significantly associated with a reduced risk of sarcopenia, whereas moderate work activity (OR ​= ​1.08, 95% CI: 0.83–1.41, p ​= ​0.547) showed no significant effect.

In the non-elderly population, the prevention and management of sarcopenia should focus on key factors such as sex, BMI, dietary caloric intake, and physical activity. That maintaining a healthy weight, increasing high-intensity physical activity, and reducing sedentary time potentially could lower the risk of sarcopenia.