Metabolic syndrome risk in young adults is associated with dietary and lifestyle factors

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MbS) risk factors were examined in 1,396 18–24 year old college adults (72% women) as a part of the Young Adult Health Risk Screening Initiative, an ongoing cross‐sectional investigation at the University of New Hampshire. From July 2005–Aug 2007, 31% of men and 16% of women were found to have ≥ 2 MbS risk factors. The number of MbS risk factors was higher among participants who had a BMI > 25 (vs. BMI 18.5–24.9, p < 0.001); lived in off‐campus apartments (vs. college dorms, p < 0.05); were non‐health majors (vs. nutrition majors, p < 0.02); were physically inactive (vs. physically active > 90 minutes/day, p = 0.06); skipped ≥ 4 meals per week (vs. non meal‐skippers, p < 0.01); ate at restaurants ≥ 3 times per week (vs. non restaurant patrons, p < 0.01); and took a multivitamin/mineral supplement (vs. no supplement, p < 0.01). Three day dietary analysis (Diet Analysis+ Plus 7.0/8.0) were used to examine nutrient intake differences. As compared to participants with no MbS risk factors, participants with ≥ 2 MbS risk factors had higher intakes of total fat (72.3 vs. 69.4 g, p < 0.05), saturated fat (24.2 vs. 22.6 g, p < 0.01), omega‐6/omega‐3 fatty acid ratios (12.5 vs. 11.2, p < 0.05); and lower intakes of ethanol (4.6 vs. 8.0 g, p < 0.05), fiber (18.7 vs. 20.0 g, p = 0.06) and magnesium (254.0 vs. 272.2 mg, p < 0.02). Findings suggest dietary and lifestyle factors are associated with MbS risk in young, college‐aged adults.