Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome and Physical Activity in Indian Adults

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a major health problem worldwide, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Modern lifestyles have decreased physical activity which is a leading cause of obesity, a major determinant of metabolic syndrome. The present study was done to assess the association of obesity, metabolic syndrome and physical activity in 1500 urban adults. Methods: Anthropometric measurements were taken and blood pressure was measured. Blood lipid profile and blood glucose levels were assessed. Physical activity assessment was done by a suitable structured questionnaire and Physical Activity Level (PAL) was calculated. Results: By NCEP (ATPIII) criteria, 750 subjects (44.9% males and 55.1% females) with metabolic syndrome (MS) and 750 non-metabolic syndrome (NMS) subjects were identified. The major components of MS were low HDL levels in 85% and elevated waist circumference in 80% of the MS subjects. Elevated blood glucose levels were found in 65%, elevated triglycerides in 50% and elevated blood pressure in 55% of the MS subjects. There was a significant difference (p<0.01) in the PAL value of MS and NMS subjects, indicative of MS subjects being less active as compared to NMS. The odds ratio indicated that physical inactivity can increase the risk of MS by 3.34 times. Conclusion: Regular physical activity would help curb the growing menace of obesity and co morbidities of metabolic syndrome.