Association between appendicular lean mass-to-body weight ratio and metabolic syndrome in community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan: A cross-sectional study

Objective Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. This study examined the associations of body mass index and the appendicular lean mass-to-body weight ratio with metabolic syndrome in Taiwanese older adults. Methods A cross-sectional study of 3739 participants from community surveys (2017–2019) was conducted. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, handgrip strength, and biochemical markers were assessed. Appendicular lean mass-to-body weight ratio was calculated using a validated equation. Lifestyle factors and comorbidities were evaluated using questionnaires. Results The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 47.1% in males and 50.0% in females. Participants with metabolic syndrome had higher body mass index and waist circumference but lower appendicular lean mass-to-body weight ratio. Higher appendicular lean mass-to-body weight ratio was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome (odds ratio = 0.877 in males; odds ratio = 0.885 in females). Conclusions Higher body mass index was positively associated with metabolic syndrome, whereas higher appendicular lean mass-to-body weight ratio was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome. Maintaining greater muscle mass relative to body weight may help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome in older adults.