Abstract
ObjectivesLifestyle restrictions are present in the religion of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‐day Saints (LDS), as described in the “Word of Wisdom,” which prohibits the “use of wine, strong drinks, tobacco, and hot drinks.” With this premise, we sought to determine if the LDS religion influenced metabolic syndrome (MetS) parameters among college students. Additionally, we sought to determine whether other lifestyle factors influenced MetS regardless of religion.Research MethodologyWe assessed MetS parameters in 160 Weber State University student participants. Additionally, a 16‐question survey was utilized to determine religion, meat and energy drink consumption, and the frequency of exercise and eating out. We separated men and women into subgroups to account for gender influences on MetS parameters.ResultsRegardless of religion, participants who ate out more than 3 times a week presented higher waist circumference, body mass index and lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) concentration (88.67 ± 22.66 cm, 27.31 ± 11.81 kg/m2 and 42.55 ± 15.55 mg/dL) than those who ate out less frequently (88.67 ± 22.66 cm, 27.31 ± 11.81 kg/m2 and 48.09 ± 14.04 mg/dL) (p<.05). LDS women presented a favorable MetS profile with lower triglycerides and higher HDL‐C (92.32 ± 56.93 mg/dL and 52.49 ± 14.59 mg/dL) than their non‐LDS counterparts (121.28 ± 95.54 mg/dL and 46.47 ± 13.21 mg/dL) (p<.05). MetS. Incidence was 1.9 times lower in LDS women (12%) compared to non‐LDS women (23%). In men: High meat consumers presented lower HDL‐C (35.31 ± 13.64 mg/dL) compared to low meat consumers (46.86 ± 14.46 mg/dL) (p<.05).ConclusionsThe LDS religion may influence parameters of MetS in women. Among the lifestyle factors measured, eating out seems to have the greatest influence on MetS parameters regardless of gender in this population. The results of this study support the important role that lifestyle habits have on health markers.
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