J Obes Metab Syndr.  2024 Jun;33(2):121-132. 10.7570/jomes24007.

Relationship between Change in Physical Activity and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Prospective Cohort Study

• Park DY
• Lee O
• Lee YH
• Lee CG
• Kim YS

• KMID: 2557463
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7570/jomes24007

Abstract

Background
This study investigates the relationship between changes in physical activity levels and risk of metabolic syndrome.
Methods
This study examined 1,686 adults aged 40 to 69 years from a community-based cohort study with complete 1st to 4th follow-up data between 2011 and 2020. Changes in physical activity were evaluated through baseline and follow-up surveys using physical activity questionnaires. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. A survival analysis was conducted using a multivariate extended Cox regression model with a significance level set at P<0.05.
Results
Participants were divided into groups according to physical activity levels. The newly inactive group (vigorous physical activity ≤150 minutes at first follow-up) had a 36% increase in the hazard ratio (HR) for metabolic syndrome compared with the consistently inactive group (≤150 minutes at both baseline and first followup) (HR, 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 1.79). The newly active group (walking ≤420 minutes per week at baseline and >420 minutes per week at first follow-up) had a 25% decrease in the HR for metabolic syndrome compared with the consistently inactive group (walking ≤420 minutes per week at both baseline and first follow-up) (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.98).
Conclusion
Changes in physical activity levels are associated with risk of metabolic syndrome. These results provide important insights for future investigations into the link between physical activity changes and disease occurrence.

Keyword

Exercise; Aged; Metabolic syndrome; Proportional hazards models; Cohort studies