Body Composition and Aging

Body composition in older adults can be assessed using simple, convenient but less precise anthropometric methods to assess (regional) body fat and skeletal muscle, or more elaborate, precise and costly methods such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Body weight and body fat percentage generally increase with aging due to an accumulation of body fat and a decline in skeletal muscle mass. Body weight and fatness plateau at age 75–80 years, followed by a gradual decline. However, individual weight patterns may differ and the periods of weight loss and weight (re)gain common in old age may affect body composition. Body fat redistributes with aging, with decreasing subcutaneous and appendicular fat and increasing visceral and ectopic fat. Skeletal muscle mass declines with aging, a process called sarcopenia. Obesity in old age is associated with a higher risk of mobility limitations, disability and mortality. A higher waist circumference and more visceral fat increase these risks, independent of overall body fatness, as do involuntary weight loss and weight cycling. The role of low skeletal muscle mass in the development of mobility limitations and disability remains controversial, but it is much smaller than the role of high body fat. Low muscle mass does not seem to increase mortality risk in older adults.