Understanding the Role of the Human Metagenome in Obesity, Metabolic Diseases, Chronic Inflammation, Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity - a Pilot Study
This is a cohort study to understand the role of the human metagenome, and associated metabolites, in health and in various diseased states, in particular obesity as well as sarcopenia. Recruited participants will have their fecal, salivary, urine, serum, and in certain instances, mucosal samples taken, for metagenomic sequencing and metabolite testing. We hope to uncover various differences and signatures in the metagenome and metabolome in various diseased states, with potential future therapeutic applications in personalised medicine.
• Obese (BMI\>27.5kg/m2)
• Sarcopenic patients, defined as 1) low handgrip strength (\<26 for males; \<18kg for females), AND/OR low gait speed (\<0.8m/s) AND low muscle mass (\<7.0kg/m2 for males; \<5.7kg/m2 for females)
⁃ \- Healthy subjects without sarcopenia, and not obese (BMI\<27.5kg/m2)