Abdominal fat, weak muscles develop mobility issues in older people: Study

Sep 06, 2021

New Delhi, Sep 06 (ANI): Older people with abdominal fat, weak muscles have a risk of developing mobility problems, according to a recent study led by a team of international researchers. The findings of the study published in the journal 'Age and Ageing', revealed that the dangerous combination of weak muscles and abdominal fat can lead to a significant loss of gait speed in older people. The study was conducted by researchers at the Federal University of Sao Carlos (UFSCar) in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, in partnership with colleagues at University College London (UCL) in the UK. A slower gait is a natural outcome of the ageing process, but mobility problems can result if the walking speed falls sharply. Everyday activities such as crossing the street before the traffic lights change become increasingly difficult, and there may be a heightened risk of falling as well as a gradual loss of independence if the condition worsens.