Background This study aimed to investigate the relationships of lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical activity, with sarcopenia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods A cross-sectional study of clinical immunology outpatients at one medical facility was conducted. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. Dietary intake was assessed using the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire, and physical activity was evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The contribution of dietary factors to sarcopenia was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results Among 109 patients (median age 49.5, 83% women), 10 (9.2%) had sarcopenia. The sarcopenia group had significantly lower n-6 fatty acids intake ( p = 0.009) and longer sitting time on weekdays ( p = 0.033). Logistic regression analysis showed that higher intake of monounsaturated fatty acids Odds ratio (OR): 0.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01–0.97, brightly colored vegetables (OR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.002–0.79), meat (OR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.01–0.95), and grains (OR: 17.33, 95% CI: 1.09–276.76) were significantly associated with sarcopenia. Conclusions This study suggests that dietary factors, such as monounsaturated fatty acids, brightly colored vegetables, meat, and grains, may be associated with sarcopenia in patients with SLE. In addition, the longer sedentary time observed in the sarcopenia group indicates potential for intervention.
Dai et al. (2026) studied this question.