Leisure-Time Physical Activity is Associated with a Reduced Risk for Metabolic Syndrome

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the cross-sectional relationship between leisure-time physical activity and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the Korean population.

Methods

The study population included 11,925 participants (6,878 men and 5,047 women), aged 30–79 years. Metabolic syndrome was defined based on the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria of having three or more cardiovascular risk factors, with a modified obesity index. Self-reported leisure-time physical activity was calculated using metabolic equivalents (MET) scores. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between leisure-time physical activity and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, with adjustment for other risk factors.

Results

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 18.2% in men and 8.5% in women. After adjustments for age and education levels, household income, smoking status, and alcohol consumption, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among participants in the middle and top tertiles of leisure-time physical activity was significantly lower than that among those with no physical activity; the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.84 (0.71–0.99) and 0.75 (0.62–0.89), respectively, in men and 0.54 (0.39–0.76) and 0.65 (0.48–0.88), respectively, in women.

Conclusions

These results suggest that increasing levels of leisure-time physical activity, in terms of duration or intensity, are linearly associated with a reduced risk for metabolic syndrome.

Key Words: Physical Activity, Metabolic Syndrome, Exercise

Selected Abbreviations and Acronyms: HDL, high-density lipoprotein, NCEP, National Cholesterol Education Program, MET, metabolic equivalent