Allostatic load, metabolic syndrome and self-rated health in overweight/obese Non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black and Mexican American adults

Abstract

AimThis study examined the associations of high allostatic load (h_ALS) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) with and self-rated poor health (SRPH) in overweight/obese non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and Mexican American (MA) adults. MethodsThe 2015–16 and 2017-18 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (n = 4403) were used for this study. ResultsRates of h_ALS in overweight/obese NHW, NHW, and MA participants were 56.9%, 58.8%, and 51.9%, respectively (P < .05). The corresponding rates for MetS were 26.9%, 31.9%, and 46.5%, respectively. High ALS was associated with 2.19 (95% CI: 1.87–4.59), 1.82 (1.42–2.58), and 1.47 (95% CI: 1.08–1.64) increased odds of SRPH in overweight/obese NHW, NHB, and MA, respectively, after adjusting for age, education, gender, income, lifestyle behaviors, and marital status. The corresponding values for MetS were 1.86 (95% CI: 1.54–2.40), 2.77 (95% CI: 1.36–5.63), and 1.22 (95% CI: 1.06–2.32), respectively. ConclusionsThe effect of h_ALS on SRPH was much stronger in NHW, while the effect of MetS was strongest among NHB overweight/obese adults. The result of this study provides further evidence in favor of race/ethnic-tailored interventions, including education and weight control to reduced risks of bodywear and tear and SRPH.