Influence of Lifestyle Factors on Metabolic Syndrome Criteria

In Urban India especially among the young and middle aged adults the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is increasing day by day. Lifestyle influences the individual parameters of MetS. The MetS criteria are adversely affecting the health and performance of an individual. During this Covid-19 pandemic situation, the lifestyle of individuals altered to a great extent and equally influenced MetS. To study the influence of lifestyle factors on MetS criteria, a prospective observational study was performed in the Clinical Nutrition department. A total of 465 subjects were screened initially. Both males and females with age 25-54 years were included in the study. Subjects who recovered from Covid-19, pregnant and lactating women were excluded. Using a questionnaire the subjects’ previous and current data of anthropometric measures of Waist Circumference (WC), weight and height were noted. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was computed. Serum values of Triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Glycosylated Haemoglobin were noted along with the Blood Pressure (BP) measurement. Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and three days diet recall was written down. The daily calorie uptake was calculated. Their habits pertaining to smoke, alcohol and Physical Activity (PA) patterns were gathered. The NCEP-ATP-III criteria were used to categorize under MetS. The obtained data in the study was analysed by SPSS 20. Females-100 and Males-182 were included in the study and assessed further. The percentage of overweight individuals did not increase significantly. But there was a significant increase by about 10% in obesity. 3% of non-diabetics became diabetic. The FBS were higher at 75% subjects compared to 62% earlier. High-Triglycerides (TG) was observed in 75% individuals compared to 66% subjects earlier. There was no significant increase in individuals with low HDL and high BP. Lack of PA was seen in 63% subjects compared to 42% earlier. Also it is observed that the intensity and consistency of PA activity dropped. Calories consumption per day >2000 kcal was observed in 68% subjects compared to 47% earlier. Alcohol habit was observed in 52%. Smoking habit was observed in 43% individuals. Though there was no significant increase in smoking or alcohol consuming individuals, the frequency and quantity of consumption of smoke and alcohol increased significantly. Three criteria of MetS were observed in 46% subjects when compared to 33% previously. The altered lipid values and high BMI had a significant correlation with lack of PA and high calorie diet consumed. High WC and high BMI had a significant correlation. Elevated TG had significant correlation with alcohol consumption. Moderate correlation was observed between the factors of increased calorie consumption and raised blood sugars/high WC. The people who had lack of PA, high intake of calories on a day to day basis and alcohol consumption had MetS significantly. From the present study it was found that MetS is at the raise in the current pandemic situation. Identifying lifestyle and interventions necessary in means of education to correct lifestyle of the young adults emphasizing to choose healthy food ingredients, cooking methods and alternative PA is very important to raise MetS in the community.