Sex-Specific Energy Intakes and Physical Activity Levels According to the Presence of Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Elderly People: Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016-2018.

Won-Sang Jung,Kiwon Lim,Sung-Woo Kim,Hun-Young Park

doi:10.3390/ijerph17155416

Won-Sang Jung, Kiwon Lim + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155416

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Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the differences in energy intake and physical activity (PA) levels according to sex and the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among elderly people in Korea. Data of 3720 elderly people (aged >65 years) were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2018). We analyzed PA levels (occupational and recreational PA) and energy intakes (carbohydrate, protein, and fat). The MetS group showed lower levels of moderate intensity recreational PA and place movement than the non-MetS group (p < 0.05); in the MetS group, PA levels were significantly lower in women than in men (p < 0.05). The intakes of total energy, carbohydrate, fat, and protein were lower in the MetS group than in the non-MetS group (p < 0.001). Both the non-MetS and MetS groups showed lower energy intakes in women than men (p < 0.001). Our study shows that elderly people, especially women, with MetS have significantly lower total PA levels and total energy intakes. We confirmed the importance of increased PA and proper nutritional intake in elderly people. Therefore, it is believed that practical measures such as nutrition education and nutrition guidance and PA education are urgently needed to reduce the incidence of MetS among the elderly.

Highlights

In modern societies, the increase in average life expectancy due to advances in medical technology and improvements in economic status has resulted in an increasingly aging population
Differences in Physical Activity Levels According to the Presence or Absence of Metabolic Syndrome and According to Sex
Men did not show significant differences in physical activity (PA) levels based on the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) (p > 0.05); in women, individuals without MetS had significantly higher levels of total PA, (p = 0.010), place movement (p = 0.002), and moderate intensity activity: recreational (p = 0.001) than those with MetS

Summary

Introduction

The increase in average life expectancy due to advances in medical technology and improvements in economic status has resulted in an increasingly aging population. Considering the deterioration in quality of life and increase in socioeconomic problems, such as chronic morbidity, medical expenses, and mortality, it is important to find ways to solve the health problems of elderly people [2,4]. The incidence of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases among elderly people is high, and metabolic syndrome (MetS), a major risk factor for chronic diseases, is on the rise [5]. The prevalence of MetS (obesity, high blood pressure, and elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels), which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, Int. J. Public Health 2020, 17, 5416; doi:10.3390/ijerph17155416 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph

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