Obesity, metabolic syndrome and physical activity

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory study was to observe the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and to examine the relationship between overweight and obesity (Body Mass Index ≥ 25 kg/m²), low levels of Physical Activity (less then 150 min moderated e/or vigorous Physical Activity/week) and the Metabolic Syndrome. The sample of this study comprised 115 adults (68 woman and 47 men) aged 34.6 ± 7.8 years, from S. Miguel Island - Azores - Portugal. Body Mass Index was used to evaluate overweight and obesity. Physical Activity was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The cluster (3 or more risk fators associated) used to define the Metabolic Syndrome was: fasting glucose ≥ 110 mg/dl, triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol < 40 mg/dl for men and < 50 mg/dl for women, waist circumference >; 102 cm for men and >; 88 cm for women, blood pressure ≥ 130 and/or 85 mm Hg. Our data showed that overweight and obesity are higher in men than in women. About 2/3 of men and women showed insufficient levels of Physical Activity. In men the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (17.1%) was significantly higher than in women (4.4%). All individuals with Metabolic Syndrome were overweight or obese. The less active individuals had a higher prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome. Body Mass Index was associated and correlated with all the risk fators of the Metabolic Syndrome. The results confirm the need of adoption of healthy life styles in order to prevent and treat Cardiovascular Diseases, in general and Metabolic Syndrome, in particular.