# Osteosarcopenia: A Narrative Review on Clinical Studies

## TL;DR

Osteosarcopenia combines bone and muscle loss, and this review explores its causes, risks, and treatment strategies based on clinical studies.

## Contribution

This paper provides a comprehensive clinical review of osteosarcopenia, emphasizing its connection to NCDs and the need for combined interventions.

## Key findings

- Osteosarcopenia is linked to increased risks of frailty, falls, and fractures.
- Nutrition and physical exercise are key non-pharmacological strategies for managing osteosarcopenia.
- Pharmacological interventions may benefit muscle and bone health but require further RCTs.

## Abstract

Osteosarcopenia (OS) is defined by the concurrent presence of osteopenia/osteoporosis and sarcopenia. The pathogenesis and etiology of OS involve genetic, biochemical, mechanical, and lifestyle factors. Moreover, an inadequate nutritional status, such as low intake of protein, vitamin D, and calcium, and a reduction in physical activity are key risk factors for OS. This review aims to increase knowledge about diagnosis, incidence, etiology, and treatment of OS through clinical studies that treat OS as a single disease. Clinical studies show the relationship between OS and the risk of frailty, falls, and fractures and some association with Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pathologies such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. In some cases, the importance of deepening the related mechanisms is emphasized. Physical exercise with adequate nutrition and nutritional supplementations such as proteins, Vitamin D, or calcium, represent a significant strategy for breaking OS. In addition, pharmacological interventions may confer benefits on muscle and bone health. Both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions require additional randomized controlled trials (RCT) in humans to deepen the synergistic effect of exercise, nutritional interventions, and drug compounds in osteosarcopenia.