The effects of a multidisciplinary residential program on the risk factors of sarcopenic obesity: an open-label trial study in a cohort of institutionalized Italian adults with obesity

Background: Sarcopenic obesity, characterized by excess fat and reduced muscle mass/function, is linked to chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a 2-month multidisciplinary residential program (MRP) on the clinical and functional outcomes associated with the risk of sarcopenia in 61 institutionalized Italian adults with obesity (mean age of 60; 36 women and 25 men; BMI ≥ 30 with metabolic comorbidities). The MRP included personalized nutrition, physical activity, and psychological support. Outcomes included anthropometric, biochemical, body composition, and physical performance measures (via Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB]), with sarcopenia risk evaluated using EWGSOP2 criteria. Results: Post-intervention, significant improvements were observed in SPPB scores (+0.93 units, p < 0.001), weight (−6.4 kg), BMI (−2.45 kg/m2), fat mass (−3.9 kg), visceral adipose tissue (−314.2 g), and fat-free mass index (−285.54 g; all p < 0.01). Glycemic control improved, with reductions in fasting glucose (−16.4 mg/dL), HbA1c (−0.81%), insulin (−2.77 mcU/mL), and HOMA-IR (−0.95; p < 0.05). Lipid profiles also improved, including total cholesterol (−21.32 mg/dL), LDL (−12.10 mg/dL), and triglycerides (−39.07 mg/dL; all p < 0.001). Conclusions: The MRP effectively enhanced body composition, metabolic health, and physical function, underscoring its potential as a preferred strategy for managing sarcopenic obesity in institutional settings.