[Expert consensus on the clinical diagnosis and management of sarcopenic obesity (2026 edition)].

Sarcopenic obesity is a distinct subtype of obesity characterized by excessive adiposity combined with reduced skeletal muscle mass and impaired muscle function, which exerts dual and superimposed adverse impacts on human health. In accordance with the latest evidence-based medical evidence and clinical practical experience, the expert panel formulated the "Expert consensus on the clinical diagnosis and management of sarcopenic obesity (2026 edition)", aiming to provide standardized diagnosis and treatment regimens for clinicians. This consensus systematically elaborates on the definition, etiology, and epidemiological characteristics of sarcopenic obesity, the understanding of sarcopenic obesity in traditional Chinese medicine, diagnostic criteria, nutritional and exercise interventions, as well as the indications and safety of pharmacotherapy (including weight-loss medications and muscle-enhancing agents). Individualized management strategies are proposed for special populations, such as adolescents, the elderly, and menopausal individuals. Clinical decision-making and intervention intensity are recommended to be comprehensively evaluated by a multidisciplinary team, involving endocrinology, bariatric surgery, clinical nutrition, rehabilitation medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, general practice, and other related disciplines. Using the modified Delphi method as the core framework for consensus development, this consensus was established through systematic literature retrieval and refinement of key clinical issues to form a structured questionnaire. Consensus criteria were determined in accordance with international Delphi study protocols, and 9 recommendations were finally formulated. These recommendations systematically summarize nutritional intervention, exercise prescription, pharmacotherapy, and comprehensive management strategies for sarcopenic obesity, with the aim of promoting the standardization of clinical diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenic obesity in China.