ABSTRACT

Objective
Individuals with advanced knee osteoarthritis (OA) and a larger body size are at risk for sarcopenic obesity (SO), an unfavourable condition of high fat and low muscle mass and function that markedly impacts mobility and morbidity. We examined the prevalence and implications of SO in adults with knee OA and a BMI ≥35 kg/m2, comparing various established diagnostic criteria.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of participants at baseline from the POMELO [Prevention of MusclE Loss in Osteoarthritis] pilot randomized clinical trial. The diagnosis of SO was based on published criteria, identifying the co-presence of low muscle function, low muscle mass, and high fat mass. Assessments included maximal handgrip strength (absolute and relative to body size), chair sit-to-stands, muscle [appendicular lean soft tissue] and fat mass measured by DXA, health-related quality of life by Euroqol EQ-5D, and physical function by 6-min walk (6MWT) and Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).

Results
Out of 50 adults (74 % female, 63.7 ± 6.9 years, BMI 42.1 ± 4.6 kg/m2), 28 % had criteria for SO (95%CI 15.5–40.4). Individuals with SO had shorter 6MWT distance, −78.6 m (p = 0.012), worse WOMAC function score, 7.2 (p = 0.046), and lower EQ-5D visual analog score, −14.7 (p = 0.016), compared to those without SO.

Conclusion
SO was present in 28 % (95%CI 15.5–40.4) of our sample with knee OA, with clinically unfavourable implications on measured and self-reported physical function and quality of life. Identification of SO may better stratify patients and enable personalized support to preserve muscle mass and function prior to weight loss or arthroplasty considerations.

Godziuk, K., F. T. Vieira, M. Forhan, J. A. Batsis, L. M. Donini, M. C. Gonzalez, M. Siervo, and C. M. Prado.,Sarcopenic obesity prevalence and clinical implications in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis and class II-III obesity.Clinical Nutrition Espen 72 Inpress.

ABSTRACT

Objectives
Video gaming is highly prevalent among university students, yet its health associations remain poorly understood. This study examined relationships between video gaming frequency and health in Australian university students.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey of 317 Western Australian university students assessed gaming habits, diet quality (Diet Quality Tool), physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), eating behaviors (Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire), and perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale). Participants were categorized into tertiles based on gaming frequency (low [0–5 h/wk], moderate [6–10 h/wk], and high [>10 h/wk]).

Results
High-frequency gamers had significantly poorer diet quality scores (median 45.0 versus 50.0, P < 0.001), higher BMI (median 26.3 versus 22.2 kg/m², P < 0.001), and worse sleep quality (PSQI score 7.0 versus 6.0, P < 0.001) compared to low-frequency gamers. Correlation analyses confirmed these associations in which gaming frequency negatively correlated with diet quality (r = −0.26, P < 0.001) and physical activity (r = −0.13, P = 0.03) and positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.38, P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed total gaming hours independently predicted poorer diet quality (β = −0.16, P = 0.02) after controlling for demographic and lifestyle factors.

Conclusions
Higher video gaming frequency was associated with poorer diet quality and increased BMI among university students. These findings suggest excessive gaming may contribute to adverse health outcomes. Public health interventions targeting excessive or high gaming levels and promoting healthy lifestyle habits in university populations are warranted.

Kaewpradup, T., S. Deric, H. V. Uren, V. H. Nguyen, L. R. Pereira, R. Coorey, J. C. K. Wells, S. Adisakwattana, B. C. M. Stephan, and M. Siervo. 2026.Video gaming linked to unhealthy diet, poor sleep quality and lower physical activity levels in Australian University students.Nutrition 144