Sarcopenic obesity is an age-related condition, following natural losses in muscle mass and strength, and fat mass gain. The aim of this talk is to overview the multifaceted aspects of sarcopenic obesity during aging, from its definition and assessment to its causes and health implications to evidence-based interventions, with a focus on nutrition and exercise.
After a PhD at Laval University in Exercise Physiology and a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Vermont, Dr. Dionne took office as professor in the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports of the University of Sherbrooke, today Faculty of physical activity sciences. After two years as Assistant Director of Scientific Affairs at the Research Centre on Aging, she was appointed Vice-Dean, Research and Graduate Studies of her faculty (2008-2014) and Dean, (2014-2022). Currently Associate Vice-provost, studies, she has maintained an active research program in the field of exercise physiology and aging. Thanks to three infrastructure grants from the Canada Foundation for Innovation over her career, she has established and still leads the Laboratory of Body Composition and Metabolism located at the Research Centre on Aging. First holder of the Canada Research Chair in Exercise Recommendations for Healthy Aging, she now holds the Chaire de recherche pour un vieillissement en santé - Fondation JL Gravel et B Breton. The mission of the Chair is to promote healthy aging through exercise practices adapted to the needs of the elderly, particularly in relation to their health condition. It emphasises on studying innovative solutions but also on translating and transferring this knowledge to health professionals and care givers as well as the general public, with the hope to transform clinical practices and support a healthy aging through a more physically active lifestyle.