# Association Between Dynapenia, Central Obesity, and Physical Function in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study shows that low muscle strength and central obesity in young adults are linked to worse physical function.

## Contribution

It highlights the early importance of dynapenia and central obesity in predicting physical limitations.

## Key findings

- Low relative hand grip strength was associated with lower physical function and higher BMI.
- The dynapenic central obese group had significantly worse physical function than other groups.
- Over half of the young adults showed overweight, obesity, or central obesity.

## Abstract

Background: Muscle strength is recognized as a key indicator of overall health and can help identify the risk of cardiometabolic disease. This study explores the relationship between low muscle strength, central obesity, and physical function among young adults.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from a convenience sample of 513 adults aged 18-25. Participants' anthropometric measures such as height, weight, and circumferences of both waist and hip were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Subjects were tested for hand grip strength (HGS) using hand dynamometry. Relative hand grip strength (RHGS) was derived by dividing maximum HGS by BMI. Physical function was assessed using a six-minute walk test. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was administered.

Results: Overweight and obesity were present in 313 (61%) of the study population. Central obesity was observed in 194 (37.8%) of the population. RHGS showed a positive association with physical function and physical activity, and a negative association was observed with BMI and waist circumference. Low RHGS was categorized as < 25th percentile by gender. The non-dynapenic non-central obese group had higher physical function (644± 124.2) than others. There was no difference in the dynapenic and central obese groups. The dynapenic central obese group had significantly lesser physical function (424.9±69.1) than all other groups in both genders.

Conclusion: Our study supports the importance of early investigation of dynapenia, which can increase the risk of chronic disease and accelerate the development of physical limitations. Understanding how dynapenia and central obesity relate to low physical function is of growing importance in young adults, and it can play an important role in overall health.