Changes in weight, body composition and prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a cohort of menopausal women residing in Mallorca

Abstract

Objective: to assess eating habits, lifestyle, body composition and prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in menopausal women evaluated according to body mass index. Methods: cross-sectional study (2011-2018) in a cohort of menopausal women residing in Mallorca (n = 555) classified according to body mass index (BMI) : < 27.0, 27.0-29.9 and ≥ 30 kg/m2. Eating habits, toxic and lifestyle, history of breastfeeding and obesity (in childhood, time of evolution and family history) were evaluated. A body composition analysis was performed by electrical bioimpedance and fasting blood was taken for the following parameters: glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol. Results: the prevalence of overweight grade II was 26.8% and of obesity 46.5%. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 41.4%. The family history of obesity, childhood obesity and the time of evolution (≥ 15 years with obesity) were higher in obese women. The practice of regular physical activity was low (63% of women with null and 33% scarce physical activity). Obese women had a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (55.8%) and higher values of BMI, abdominal circumference, fat mass, visceral fat, abdominal obesity, blood pressure, glucose and triglycerides in blood, but lower values of HDL-c. Conclusions: the studied menopausal women reflect inadequate dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle and a high prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome. The factors associated with this prevalence are family history of obesity, childhood obesity, time of evolution of obesity, sedentary lifestyle, abdominal obesity and visceral location of fat.