Strength and Vitality in Ageing

Obesity and sarcopenia reduce vitality. Sarcopenia means loss of muscle mass and function. About 50% of adults are overweight. About 15% have obesity. Sarcopenia is increasing, especially in older adults. These conditions increase health problems and reduce independence.

A growing group of older adults has both obesity and sarcopenia. This is called sarcopenic obesity. This combination increases the risk of reduced independence and lower vitality. 

Overweight and obesity are more common in people with limited health literacy. Current interventions often do not meet their needs. As a result, professionals reach this group less effectively.

A different approach to healthy ageing

Obesity, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity often share causes. The main causes are low physical activity and suboptimal nutrition. These problems reinforce each other. They need an integrated approach. An intervention that focuses only on diet or only on exercise is not enough. It can even be harmful.

The best results come from:

• Lower energy intake
• Enough protein intake
• Enough physical activity, especially strength training

This reduces fat mass and preserves muscle mass.

Nutrition, exercise and digital technology

An effective approach needs collaboration between dietitians and exercise professionals. This multidisciplinary care is valuable but costly. Long-term support is often not feasible.

Digital support can help. People work on their health independently in their own environment. This reduces pressure on healthcare and improves access and sustainability.

Blended care combines face-to-face contact with digital tools such as apps and wearable movement sensors. These tools provide data. Professionals use this to tailor support to the person and progress.

Target group

The research projects use a personal and participatory approach. Vulnerable groups, such as people with limited health literacy, are actively involved. This helps maintain long-term effects.

Aim of the research line

The research line develops evidence-based and practice-based knowledge and interventions. Nutrition and exercise are always combined. Interventions fit the target group and the individual. Behaviour change and eHealth are used. Co-creation is central in a community-based approach.

Education and research

Students from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences take part in this research line. Final-year students join through placements and graduation projects. Students from different programmes work together, such as Nutrition and Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Work and ICT. They learn to work together on complex issues.

National collaboration

The associate professor works with partners such as:

• The Hague University of Applied Sciences
• Hanze University of Applied Sciences
• Erasmus MC
• Radboudumc Nijmegen

With Vivica BV, a digital lifestyle platform has been developed. This platform supports current and future projects. It is useful for both users and professionals.

There is also a strong local network in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, including:

• Dietitians
• Physiotherapists
• General practitioners
• Community organisations
• The municipality of Amsterdam

In the Wildeman neighbourhood, the ‘Healthy & Meet in Osdorp’ living lab has been set up. Here, residents, professionals and students work together. They develop an accessible lifestyle service for people with low health literacy.

International collaboration

The research line is part of the Sarcopenic Obesity Global Leadership Initiative (SOGLI). This network improves recognition and treatment of sarcopenic obesity.

In April 2026, the international SONETTO project will start. Within this project, nutrition, exercise and creative technology are combined in an international intervention with 6 EU countries.