The Prevalence and Risk Factors for Presarcopenia among Young and Middle-aged Asian Americans: A Cross-Sectional Study using NHANES data

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the prevalence of and risk factors for presarcopenia (low muscle mass with normal function) among Asian Americans (AAs), compared with non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs); and to assess the relationship between appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) and handgrip strength by race. 

 Design: A cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2014) was conducted, using ALMI (assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and handgrip strength data from adults aged 18-59 years. 

Results: Of 3,116 participants (2,293 NHW, 823 AA), presarcopenia prevalence was 10% among NHWs and 27% among AAs. In multivariable regression, AA race (OR 4.2, 95% CI 2.6-6.6) and female sex (OR 1.6 ,95% CI 1.3-2.0) were associated with presarcopenia. Conversely, holding a college degree (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.30-0.92), high physical activity (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.43-0.80), being overweight (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.04-0.08) and obesity (OR 0.00, 95% CI 0.00-0.02) status were inversely associated. Both AAs and NHWs exhibited increasing prevalence of low muscle mass with reduced handgrip strength.

Conclusion: Young and middle-aged AAs are at increased risk of presarcopenia, relative to NHWs. This vulnerable demographic group may benefit from targeted public health interventions to reduce progression toward sarcopenia later in life.