Study of association of physical activity with indicators of body composition and metabolic syndrome in subjects with sedentary job profile

Abstract

Objective: The benefits of physical activity and physical fitness on the health of general population are provided with evidence. We investigated association of leisure time physical activity with indicators of body composition and metabolic syndrome among less active, moderately active and active groups. Design: Analysis of cross sectional self reported physical activity index and measured indicators of body composition and metabolic syndrome. Subjects: A total of 100 male subjects, aged 25-50 years, who were part of a randomly selected sample and who agreed to participate in the study. Measurements: Self reported measure of physical activity index, weight (Kg), height (meter), pulse (manually), blood pressure (mercury sphygmomanometer), various biochemical parameters (i.e. serum triglycerides, and fasting plasma glucose) is measured in all the subjects. Results: High levels of leisure time physical activity were positively associated with the likelihood of being in the normal body mass index and lower % body fat. When physical activity score was correlated with the component of metabolic syndrome, we observed that there was significantly negative correlation between physical activity score and Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure, serum triglycerides, fasting blood glucose. Conclusion: This study shows association between body fat, body mass index and leisure time physical activity. Low physical activity is associated with increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. These findings will have important public health implications for the development and targeting of weight gain prevention strategies and life style modification may be beneficial in avoiding the risk of metabolic syndrome and its consequences. Keywords: Body composition, Metabolic syndrome, Physical activity.