Population-based study in Lithuania: lifestyle factors and risk of metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between lifestyle characteristics and the probability of metabolic syndrome in the Lithuanian middle-aged population of Kaunas city. Study sample was comprised of 1403 individuals aged 35–64 years. Metabolic syndrome was defined by International Diabetes Federation definition. Lifestyle habits were evaluated using frequency questionnaires. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was identified in 29.7% of men and 35.1% of women. In men only alcohol intake increased the risk of metabolic syndrome: wine intake daily or several times a week increased the risk of metabolic syndrome in men aged 35–49 years by 3.8-fold whereas intake of spirits once a week or more often increased the risk of metabolic syndrome in men aged 50–64 years by 2.8-fold. In women aged 50–64 years beer intake daily or several times a week (OR=11.9; p=0.015) and some unhealthy nutrition habits — intake of cakes 4 times a week or more often (OR=5.49; p=0.005) and slather spread butter on bread (OR=2.09; p=0.028) increased the odds of metabolic syndrome. Our findings indicated that frequent intake of wine and spirits increased the risk of metabolic syndrome in men; frequent intake of beer, cakes, slather spread butter on bread and low education level increased the risk of metabolic syndrome in women.