Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study examined the mediating effects of physical activity (PA) and basal metabolic rate (BMR) on the relationship between years since menopause and sarcopenia in community-dwelling elderly women. METHODS: Based on AWGS 2019 criteria, 718 women aged ≥65 were classified into sarcopenia, possible sarcopenia, and control groups. Multiple logistic regression and mediator models were used to assess associations. RESULTS: BMR correlated with grip strength (r=0.292), ASMI (r=0.750), and years since menopause (r=-0.246). Years since menopause negatively correlated with grip strength and SPPB (r=-0.315, -0.381; p<0.05). It was a risk factor for possible sarcopenia (OR=1.05; 95 % CI: 1.03-1.08). Low BMR and medium PA (vs. high) increased sarcopenia risk (OR=0.95 and 2.72, respectively). Direct effect of years since menopause was β=-0.010 (p=0.001); total mediating effect was 0.019 (p<0.001), mainly through BMR (0.007) and PA (0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PA and BMR mediate the effect of years since menopause on sarcopenia risk. Longer duration since menopause decreases PA and BMR, elevating sarcopenia risk.