Physical activity, body composition and metabolic syndrome in young adults.

Minna K Salonen,Eero Kajantie,Johan G Eriksson,Kati Heinonen,Aulikki Lano,Niko Wasenius,Katri Räikkönen,Jari Lahti,Conrad P Earnest

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0126737

Abstract

ObjectiveLow physical activity (PA) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in all age groups. We measured intensity and volume of PA and examined the associations between PA and the metabolic syndrome (MS), its components and body composition among young Finnish adults.Research Design and MethodsThe study comprises 991 men and women born 1985-86, who participated in a clinical study during the years 2009-11 which included assessments of metabolism, body composition and PA. Objectively measured (SenseWear Armband) five-day PA data was available from 737 participants and was expressed in metabolic equivalents of task (MET).ResultsThe prevalence of MS ranged between 8-10%. Higher total mean volume (MET-hours) or intensity (MET) were negatively associated with the risk of MS and separate components of MS, while the time spent at sedentary level of PA was positively associated with MS.ConclusionsMS was prevalent in approximately every tenth of the young adults at the age of 24 years. Higher total mean intensity and volume rates as well as longer duration spent at moderate and vigorous PA level had a beneficial impact on the risk of MS. Longer time spent at the sedentary level of PA increased the risk of MS.

Highlights

Several non-communicable diseases are strongly linked with overweight and obesity and are affecting a wide range of people in all age groups, including children [1]
Higher total mean intensity and volume rates as well as longer duration spent at moderate and vigorous physical activity (PA) level had a beneficial impact on the risk of metabolic syndrome (MS)
Longer time spent at the sedentary level of PA increased the risk of MS

Summary

Objective

Low physical activity (PA) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in all age groups. We measured intensity and volume of PA and examined the associations between PA and the metabolic syndrome (MS), its components and body composition among young Finnish adults. Data Availability Statement: The authors confirm that, for approved reasons, some access restrictions apply to the data underlying the findings. The researchers interested in using AYLS data must obtain approval from the Steering Committee of the Arvo Ylppö Longitudinal Study. Data are available upon request due to ethical restrictions, pending approval from the Coordinating Ethics Committee of the Hospital District of Helsinki. The study comprises 991 men and women born 1985-86, who participated in a clinical study during the years 2009-11 which included assessments of metabolism, body composition and PA. Measured (SenseWear Armband) five-day PA data was available from 737 participants and was expressed in metabolic equivalents of task (MET)

Results

Conclusions

Introduction

Participants

Discussion