SONETTO: Prevention of sarcopenic obesity

Many older adults experience sarcopenic obesity, a combination of being overweight and having reduced muscle mass and strength. This can lead to health problems and increased dependence on care. In the SONETTO project, researchers from six European countries are collaborating to prevent this. From THUAS researcher from research group Rehabilitation and Technology are involved. They focus on healthy nutrition, increased physical activity, and lifestyle improvements for people approaching retirement age. To do so, they utilize care technology, such as an app for home-based support. Healthcare professionals are also being trained to effectively deploy this support. The goal is for older people to remain healthy and independent for longer, and for care to become better and more accessible. 

Background 

Sarcopenic obesity is often detected late. Early intervention, in particular, can prevent many health problems. Routines and lifestyle habits change around retirement age, making this a suitable time to improve lifestyle. At the same time, the healthcare system is under pressure, and technology can help make guidance easier and more accessible. SONETTO focuses on better support for older adults as well as healthcare professionals, with a mix of personal guidance and digital tools. 

The beauty of SONETTO is that we not only help older people improve their health through nutrition, exercise, and technology, but at the same time empower healthcare professionals with practical tools and knowledge.

dr. Jacqueline Langius, Senior Researcher 

Goal 

SONETTO aims to prevent and treat sarcopenic obesity in the elderly with lifestyle guidance supported by care technology, and to help healthcare professionals recognize and apply this early. 

Method 

Researchers from six countries are collaborating. They are gathering knowledge and best practices regarding the treatment of sarcopenic obesity in the various countries and the use of care technology. Subsequently, an eHealth platform is being developed in collaboration with older adults and healthcare professionals, and training programs are being developed for professionals. Following this, they are testing a six-month lifestyle program in the different countries featuring digital support and personal guidance. Lifestyle, muscle strength, nutritional intake, and user experience with the technology are being evaluated. 

Result 

The project delivers a lifestyle program suitable for use in six European countries. The program combines digital guidance with support from healthcare professionals. An eHealth platform for older adults will be developed, featuring exercises, nutritional information, and tailored support. Furthermore, the project will deliver e-learning modules for healthcare professionals, focusing on the recognition and treatment of sarcopenic obesity and the use of care technology within treatment. These results help professionals and organizations better integrate lifestyle support into daily practice. 

Impact 

SONETTO can contribute to better health for older adults. Early intervention in sarcopenic obesity can reduce chronic diseases, hospital admissions, and loss of independence. The blended care approach strengthens self-management and makes care more accessible. The project helps healthcare professionals to identify issues earlier and work digitally. The knowledge gained is shared with education and research, ensuring that future professionals are better prepared for blended care. In this way, SONETTO contributes to a more sustainable, accessible, and preventive healthcare system. 

Duration 

The project runs from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2029. 

Funding 

The research is funded via the SIA Steering Committee under the Transforming Health and Care Systems call, part of the Horizon Europe program.

Collaboration 

• Josje Choufour, Peter Weijs, Esmee Reijnierse – Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 
• Alfonso Cruz-Jentoft - The Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal,  Madrid, Spain 
• Yves Boirie - Université of Clermont Auvergne, Human Nutrition Unit; University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, Clinical Nutrition Department, Clermont-Ferrand, France 
• Doris Eglseer - Medical University of Graz, Institute of Nursing Science, Graz, Austria 
• Maria Victoria Catell-Alcala - Fundación Para La Investigación Biomédica Del Hospital Universitario La Paz, Hospital La Paz Institute For Health Research – IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain 
• Eva Topinkova - Charles University and General Faculty Hospital,  
• Prague, Czech Republic 
• Rocco Barazzoni - University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy 
• Lorenzo Maria Donini - Sapienza University, Rome, Italy 
• Vivica BV, Haaksbergen, Netherlands 
• European Specialist Dietetic Network (ESDN), Older Adults and ESDN Primary Care, European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD) 
• European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) 

Team 

Researchers at The Hague University of Applied Sciences: Jacqueline Langius, Jorit Meesters and Milena Feldkamp do Carmo 
Research group Rehabilitation and Technology 
Professor Rehabilitation and Technology: dr. Jorit Meesters 

Contact 

Would you like to know more about the SONETTO Research Collaboration Platform? Please contact Jacqueline Langius ([email protected]) or Jorit Meesters ([email protected])