Metabolic Syndrome among Adults in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and Predictors

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is an emerging health problem and has increased globally. This research aims to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) among Saudi Arabia adults and identify the associated predictors of MS among Saudi Arabia adults. One hundred and one (101) male adults aged between 26 and 60 participated in this study. The researchers collected data on height and weight as well as blood samples. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 56.4%. Of the sample, 73.3% ate fast food, 30.7% were smokers, 41.6% were overweight, and 36.6% were obese. It was also found that only 35.6% of participants engaged in low levels of physical activity, 29.7% had a waist size ≥ 102, 70.3% had fasting blood glucose ≥ 100 mg/dl, 48.5% had blood pressure ≥ 130/85 mmHg, 20.8% had triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl, 94.1% had high density lipoprotein < 40 mg/dl. Adhoc intervention programmes for non-communicable diseases should be set up in Saudi Arabia to decrease the prevalence of MS.

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Eating Speed, Physical Activity, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness Are Independent Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome in Korean University Students

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13072420 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 2420

Author(s):

Minjeong Kang ◽

Mingyu Joo ◽

Haeryun Hong ◽

Hyunsik Kang

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

University Students ◽

Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Physical Inactivity ◽

Fasting Blood Glucose ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Preventive Strategy ◽

Blood Pressures

Background: Little is known regarding the role of eating quickly, physical inactivity, and poor cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in assessing the onset of metabolic syndrome (Mets) in Korean young adults. Objectives: This study examined the association between the three risk factors and Mets in 1891 Korean university students (30% female) aged 18–29 years. Methods: Eating speed (slow vs. fast) and physical activity (active vs. inactive) were assessed with a standardized questionnaire. Maximal oxygen uptake as an indicator of CRF was assessed with graded exercise testing. Components of Mets were waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC). Results: All the three exposures were positively associated with abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressures, elevated FBG, elevated TG, and decreased HDLC. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) of Mets was incremental in the order of physical inactivity (odds ratio, OR = 1.666; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.024–2.708; p = 0.040), fast eating (OR = 1.687; 95% CI = 1.094–2.601; p = 0.018), and poor CRF (OR = 5.378; 95% CI = 3.475–8.325; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The current findings suggest that a multifaceted intervention targeting at promotion of physical activity and CRF in concert with healthy eating behaviors should be implemented as a preventive strategy against Mets in Korean university students.

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Differences in physical function and metabolic syndrome risk factors according to the level of physical activity in elderly Korean men: a pilot study

10.31083/jomh.v17i1.200 ◽

2020 ◽

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Physical Function ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

The Elderly ◽

Berg Balance Scale ◽

Lower Percentage ◽

Mineral Density

Background and objective: Managing the decrease in physical function in the elderly is a major task in aging societies globally. Here, we aimed to compare the physical function and metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors according to levels of physical activity (PA). Material and methods: We measured PA in 77 elderly Korean men (74.21 ± 6.26 years old) with an accelerometer and recorded body composition, physical function, and MetS-related risk factors. Participants were divided into three groups based on daily moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA): low (under 60 min), middle (60-120 min), and high (over 120 min). The groups were compared using a one-way analysis of variance and the Scheffe post hoc test. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated by logistic regression analysis. Results: Signiﬁcant differences were found between the groups for sedentary behavior time (P < 0.001), light PA (P < 0.05), moderate PA (P < 0.001), vigorous PA (P < 0.05), and total energy expenditure (P < 0.001). The high PA group showed a signiﬁcantly lower percentage of body fat and fat mass and higher muscle mass than did the low and middle PA groups (P < 0.05). The 6-min walk test was signiﬁcantly better in the high PA group than in the low and middle PA groups (P < 0.05). Grip strength and the Berg balance scale were also signiﬁcantly better in the high PA group (P < 0.05). Bone mineral density (BMD) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were signiﬁcantly higher in the high PA group than in the low PA group (P < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was signiﬁcantly higher in the middle PA group than in the low PA group (P < 0.05). Participants with more than three MetS criteria showed an OR of 0.09 (95% conﬁdence interval 0.01-0.82) in the high PA group as compared with the low PA group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Moderate-vigorous physical activity of more than 120 min daily showed better physical function and lower OR of MetS than did lower MVPA levels in elderly Korean men.

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The Lifestyle of Saudi Medical Students

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18157869 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (15) ◽

pp. 7869

Author(s):

Khalid A. Bin Abdulrahman ◽

Ahmad M. Khalaf ◽

Fahad B. Bin Abbas ◽

Omran T. Alanezi

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Media ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Medical Students ◽

Fast Food ◽

Social Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Male Students ◽

Drinking Patterns ◽

Cross Sectional

This study was conducted to investigate medical students’ lifestyle habits, including sleep quality, eating and drinking patterns, physical activity, and social status. Method: This research project is part two of a multi-institutional cross-sectional observational study conducted among medical students from six medical colleges in Saudi Arabia between September and December 2019. Results: 675 medical students were enrolled electively into the lifestyle study. About half of this number were male students and the majority were aged 18–24 years. Most students (87.6%) slept between 4–8 h a day and over 44% were dissatisfied with their sleep. Only 28.1% had three meals a day; about 40% of them usually or always skipped breakfast. A total of 44% usually or always ate fast food and 44.7% drank 2 L of water per day. Moreover, male students were significantly consuming more fast food than females, p < 0.001. The majority (63.3%) revealed they usually or always drink black coffee daily. Females were significantly more inclined to regular coffee consumption than males, p < 0.001. Only 4.3% exercised for 30 min or more daily. The majority (65%) of the students were introverted; they had few close friends. Yet, 81% were somewhat satisfied or satisfied with their social life. Male students were significantly more satisfied with their social life than females, p = 0.001. Only 4.6% smoked cigarettes daily whereas 7.1% smoked e-cigarettes daily. In contrast, only 0.3% used shisha (hookah) daily. Male medical students were substantially more inclined to e-cigarette use than females (p < 0.001). The top five leisure activities of a medical student were surfing social media (75.9%), watching movies (61.3%), hanging out with friends (58.1%), spending time with their family (55.4%), and browsing the Internet (53.6%). Female medical students were significantly more inclined to surf social media than male medical students, p = 0.022; also, watching movies was preferred for females compared to males, p = 0.006. Conclusion: This study revealed that the majority of these medical students in Saudi Arabia exhibited healthy lifestyles to some extent, and these health-promoting behaviors differed based on sex, especially concerning physical activity and eating patterns. The findings of this study provide relevant information for future actions that will be geared towards effectively decreasing the occurrence of chronic illnesses and improving future doctors’ well-being.

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Impact of the Level of Adherence to Mediterranean Diet on the Parameters of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13051514 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 1514

Author(s):

Dimitra Rafailia Bakaloudi ◽

Lydia Chrysoula ◽

Evangelia Kotzakioulafi ◽

Xenophon Theodoridis ◽

Michail Chourdakis

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Fasting Blood Glucose ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Hdl Cholesterol ◽

Central Registry ◽

High Adherence ◽

The Impact

High adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with a lower prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). The present study aimed to investigate the impact of MD adherence on parameters of MetS. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Central Registry of Clinical Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. Observational studies that recorded adherence to MD and components/measures of the MetS, such as waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides (TG), were included in this study. A total of 58 studies were included in our study. WC and TG were significantly lower in the high adherence MD group (SMD: −0.20, (95%CI: −0.40, −0.01), SMD: −0.27 (95%CI: −0.27, −0.11), respectively), while HDL cholesterol was significantly higher in the same group (SMD: −0.28 (95%CI: 0.07, 0.50). There was no difference in FBG and SBP among the two groups (SMD: −0.21 (95%CI: −0.54, 0.12) & SMD: −0.15 (95%CI: −0.38, 0.07), respectively). MD may have a positive impact on all parameters of MetS. However, further research is needed in this field.

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Cortisol, DHEAS, their ratio and the metabolic syndrome: evidence from the Vietnam Experience Study

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/eje-09-1078 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 162 (5) ◽

pp. 919-923 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Anna C Phillips ◽

Douglas Carroll ◽

Catharine R Gale ◽

Janet M Lord ◽

Wiebke Arlt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Military Service ◽

Fasting Blood Glucose ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Us Army ◽

Telephone Interviews ◽

The Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Vietnam Era

ObjectivesThe aim of these analyses was to examine the association of cortisol, DHEAS and the cortisol:DHEAS ratio with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components.DesignThe analyses were cross-sectional.MethodsParticipants were 4255 Vietnam era US army veterans. From military service files, telephone interviews and a medical examination, occupational, socio-demographic and health data were collected. MetS was ascertained from data on body mass index; fasting blood glucose or a diagnosis of diabetes; blood pressure or a diagnosis of hypertension; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; and triglyceride levels. Contemporary morning fasted cortisol and DHEAS concentrations were determined. The outcomes were MetS and its components. Analysis was by logistic regression, first adjusting for age and then additionally for an array of candidate confounders.ResultsCortisol, although not in the fully adjusted analysis, and DHEAS were both related to MetS. Whereas high cortisol concentrations were associated with an increased risk of MetS, high DHEAS concentrations appeared protective. By far, the strongest associations with MetS were observed for the cortisol:DHEAS ratio; the higher the ratio, the greater the risk of having MetS. The ratio was also significantly related to four of the five MetS components.ConclusionsThe cortisol:DHEAS ratio is positively associated with MetS. Prospective analyses are needed to help untangle direction of causality, but this study suggests that the cortisol:DHEAS ratio is worthy of further study in this and other health contexts.

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Effects of physical fitness training on metabolic syndrome among military personnel in Taiwan

BMJ Military Health ◽

10.1136/bmjmilitary-2020-001761 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001761

Author(s):

Che-Fu Chang ◽

Y-C Wu ◽

C-H Lai ◽

P-C Chen ◽

Y-L Guo

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Military Personnel ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Training Programme ◽

Health Examination ◽

Running Performance ◽

Fitness Training ◽

The Impact

IntroductionMetabolic syndrome (MS) is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes but can be prevented with regular physical activity. This study aimed to assess the impact of a physical fitness training programme on MS among military personnel.MethodsThis retrospective observational study included volunteer army soldiers who underwent annual health examinations between 2011 and 2014. In 2011, the reformed physical fitness training programme and physical fitness test were introduced to the participants. MS evaluation and physical fitness performances were evaluated before and after implementing the training programme using a mixed-effects model and generalised estimating equation, adjusted for sex, age and smoking.ResultsFrom 2011 to 2014, 1720 soldiers underwent the annual health examination. In 2011, before the fitness programme, 246 soldiers (14.3%) had MS. After implementation, decreases in blood pressure and fasting glucose levels were observed and maintained for 3 years. Running performance was negatively correlated to triglycerides (ß=−11.37; p<0.001) and waist circumference (ß=−0.42; p<0.001) and positively correlated to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (ß=2.14; p<0.001). The severity of MS was reduced following introduction of the physical fitness programme.ConclusionsMS and its components improved after introducing the reformed fitness programme, with running performance proving to be most relevant to MS. Clinicians should encourage increased physical activity to prevent MS among military personnel.

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Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Adults in Yazd 2014-2015: Results of Yazd Health Study (Yahs)

Journal of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences ◽

10.18502/ssu.v27i11.2499 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Vida Mozaffari-Khosravi ◽

Masoud Mirzaei ◽

Hassan Mozaffari-Khosravi

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Blood Glucose ◽

Central Obesity ◽

Fasting Blood Glucose ◽

Health Study ◽

Postal Code ◽

General Obesity ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Blood Tests ◽

Over 40 Years

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is a series of disorders such as central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, decreasing HDL, abnormal blood glucose and hypertension that ultimately lead to the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other problems. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of this syndrome among adults in Yazd. Methods: This study was performed using the data of the recruitment phase of "Yazd Health Study" (YaHS). More than 10,000 residents (aged 20-69 years) of Yazd Greater Area have participated in this prospective cohort study. Lifestyle data, disease history, and blood tests have been recorded. Sampling was cluster random based on the postal code of the residents of Yazd Greater Area. Out of the 10,000 participants in the study, approximately 4,000 people gave blood samples to the lab in the first phase and their data were used to calculate the syndrome. Metabolic syndrome was defined based on the ATP III criteria. Data were analyzed by SPSS Version 16. Results: The overall prevalence of syndrome was 33.3%. The prevalence had a significant relationship with age, age over 40 years, reaching to the highest level of over 50%. The prevalence in women was 39.9%, more than men, with 25.9%. Frequency of abnormal components of the syndrome was respectively waist circumference or abdominal obesity (47.1%), diastolic or systolic blood pressure (43.7%), triglyceride (41.6%), HDL (39.5%) and fasting blood glucose (21.7). 67.5% and 91.7% of those with syndrome were obese or overweight, respectively. Conclusion: The study showed that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, especially in women and those over 50 years old, is higher than other studies. General obesity, central obesity and hypertension are the most important components of metabolic syndrome in Yazd, which requires proper interventions.

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Study on health risk factors as a basis to implement programs that promote a nutritional culture in students of the la Sabana University

Roczniki Państwowego Zakładu Higieny ◽

10.32394/rpzh.2021.0153 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 89-94

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Low Density Lipoprotein ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Blood Chemistry ◽

Monitoring And Control ◽

The Metabolic Syndrome

Background. Nowadays the importance of lifestyles in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome has been largely accertained. Objective. The purpose of our work is to implement programs that promote a nutritional culture in adolescents and young adults of the La Sabana University. Methods. The methodology entailed, after the corresponding informed consent, taking measures of the triceps and supraescapular skinfolds, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), lean mass, and fat mass. Fasting blood samples were also taken to quantify cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). Results. The results obtained show that of the 165 students, 10.3% were underweight, 13.93% were overweight and 0.6% were obese. With regards to gender, 4.8% of the men and 9% of the women were overweight, 3% of the men and 7.2% of the women were underweight, and 0.6% of the women were obese. The blood chemistry showed that 30% had hypercholesterolemia, 18% hypertriglyceridemia, 17% reported low HDL levels and 67% reported high LDL levels. Of all the cases studied, 40% are at risk of a metabolic syndrome. 60% claimed not to practice any physical activity - especially women who reported 44.70%. Conclusions. These findings have allowed us at the institution to implement a culture of healthy habits. The have also allowed us to identify students with risk factors for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. This is why the cardiometabolic monitoring and control based on healthy eating and physical activity are important.

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The Role of Bioactive Compounds from Dietary Spices in the Management of Metabolic Syndrome: An Overview

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu14010175 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 175

Author(s):

Dana Hasan Alkhatib ◽

Abdul Jaleel ◽

Maryam Naveed Muhammad Tariq ◽

Jack Feehan ◽

Vasso Apostolopoulos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Blood Glucose ◽

Dietary Supplements ◽

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Fasting Blood Glucose ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Preventive Measure ◽

Blood Lipid ◽

Lifestyle Changes

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of physiologically dysregulated parameters that can include elevated fasting blood glucose, high blood pressure, central obesity, increased triglyceride levels, insulin resistance, diabetes, elevated low density lipoprotein levels, and reduced high density lipoprotein levels in the blood. Effective clinical management of MetS is critical as it is strongly associated with long lasting and fatal complications in patients. Alongside standard care of lifestyle changes and medication, dietary supplements derived from herbal resources could be an alternative therapeutic strategy that is safe, efficient, culturally acceptable, and has few side effects. Of the dietary supplements, spicy foods have always been considered a great source of functional bioactive compounds. Herbal therapy is broadly used in many countries as a treatment or as a preventive measure in the management of MetS risk factors, including blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipid levels. Herein, an attempt is made to evaluate the recent studies in the management of MetS with herbal alternatives, and to explore the possibility of their use as therapeutic treatments or supplements.

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The Relationships of Watching Television, Computer Use, Physical Activity, and Food Preferences to Body Mass Index: Gender and Nativity Differences among Adolescents in Saudi Arabia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18189915 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (18) ◽

pp. 9915

Author(s):

Ahmad H. Alghadir ◽

Zaheen A. Iqbal ◽

Sami A. Gabr

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Body Mass ◽

Fast Food ◽

Online Teaching ◽

Age Groups ◽

Food Preferences ◽

Saudi Students ◽

Adolescent Students

Background: Adolescents and ethnic subgroups have been identified at high risks of overweight and its associated complications. Although some studies have investigated overweight, obesity, nutritional status, physical activity, and associated factors among Saudi students, no studies have examined these characteristics among non-Saudi students or compared non-Saudi to Saudi adolescent students. The objective of this study was to compare differences between Saudi and non-Saudi adolescent students regarding time spent watching television, using computers, engaging in physical activity, and their food preferences. The relationships between these lifestyle behaviors and body mass index by Saudi nativity and gender were tested. Methods: Students aged 12 to 18 years (n = 214) from various schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, completed a self-administered questionnaire that included questions about demographic and anthropometric characteristics, daily after-school routine, physical activity, watching television, using computers, and food preferences. Non-parametric (Mann–Whitney U) tests assessed the statistical differences between Saudi and non-Saudi respondents, and males and females were separately tested. Results: Saudi boys who reported physical activity two to five times per week, the most television time, the most computer time, and the highest frequency of eating fast food and drinking soft drinks had a significantly higher mean body mass index than the non-Saudi boys in their categories. However, there were no significant differences found between the Saudi and non-Saudi girls. Conclusions: High levels of sedentary and low levels of physical activities as well as high consumption of high-fat fast foods and high-sugar drinks threaten the health of Saudi adolescents. Cultural differences in lifestyle between Saudi and non-Saudi families should be considered when developing programs to improve knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding diet quality and physical activity. The objective of this study is more important in the current situation where increased time spent on computers and mobile phones due to online teaching in schools or working from home, decreased physical activity due to precautionary lockdowns, and unchecked eating patterns while spending more time in sedentary activities in homes has become our COVID-19 pandemic lifestyle in all the age groups. A similar study should be replicated on a large scale to study the effect of this lifestyle on our lives in all the age groups.

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