Plant vs Animal-based Protein Sources as an Anabolic and Metabolic-protective Options for SO in Older Adults

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 55 years or older. * Diagnosed with obesity. * At risk for sarcopenia, based on at least one of the following: Low score on the validated SARC-F-calf questionnaire (as suggested in prior studies). More than one comorbidity associated with sarcopenic obesity (e.g., diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, etc.). Polypharmacy: taking 8 or more prescribed medications. Evidence of strength or functional impairment, assessed using validated measurements at the baseline visit. Exclusion Criteria: * Recent use of steroid agents within the past 6 months (replacement therapy is allowed). * Uncorrected hypothyroidism: TSH \> 6 mIU/L. * Diagnosis of malignancy within the past 5 years, except for non-melanoma skin cancer. * Chronic kidney disease (CKD) at stage \>1 (due to protein restriction needs). * Recent (≤6 months) or unstable cardiovascular condition, or NYHA Class III or higher congestive heart failure. * Currently performing resistance training. * Currently undergoing nutritional therapy, have recently changed diet (\<1 month), or are enrolled in active weight-loss programs or therapies (including lifestyle and/or pharmacotherapy). Note: Patients stable on GLP-1 agonists or other pharmacotherapy are eligible. * Vegetarians/vegans, or individuals with aversion or allergy to all legumes or all red meat products. * Habitual consumption of more than 3 servings/week of either legumes or red meat. * Other medical, psychiatric conditions, or lab abn…