Objective: This study aimed to evaluate prevalence and clinical correlates of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in breast cancer patients

Methods: A total of 50 female patients with histopathological diagnosis of breast cancer were included in this prospective 6-month observational study. Data on patient age, anthropometrics, bioelectrical impedance analysis, physical activity level and blood biochemistry were recorded. Sarcopenia was assessed using preoperative computed tomography (CT) findings, while obesity in sarcopenic patients was identified based on BMI (Body mass index) and fat percentage values.

Results: Obesity, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity was evident in 50%, 50% and 20% of patients, respectively. None of the parameters studied, including age, laboratory results, BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis), or anthropometric findings, showed a significant correlation with the degree of sarcopenia in the overall study population, as well as in patients with sarcopenia and those with sarcopenic obesity.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that sarcopenia is prevalent in half of breast cancer patients before radiotherapy, with concomitant obesity in 40% of sarcopenic patients. Therefore, assessing body composition using CT imaging is essential to recognize sarcopenic obesity earlier and prevent the combined hazards of obesity and depleted muscle mass in breast cancer patients.

Keywords: Breast cancer, nutrition, obesity, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity