Leisure-Time Physical Activity and its Association with Metabolic Risk Factors in Tehranian Adults: TLGS

Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), as a lifestyle-related behavior, could be a preventive factor for metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to examine the association between LTPA and MetS among the adults who participated in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). In the present cross-sectional study, 4665 adults (1976 males and 2686 females), aged 20-70 years, were selected by multi-stage random cluster sampling from among TLGS participants. Subjects were classified according to their BMI. LTPA was determined via a validated and Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ), and MetS, according to the JIS criteria. Prevalence of the MetS was higher in obese groups (58.2%) compared to the overweight (36.6%) and normal weight (6%) ones (p<0.001). Normal weight subjects (18.1%) were physically more active than other groups. In the normal weight group with light LTPA, the risk of lower levels of HDL-C and elevated levels of TG were higher than in individuals with vigorous LTPA (OR: 1.15; CI95% 1.05, 2.33) (OR: 1.46; CI95% 1.01, 2.14). In the overweight group, the probability of elevated levels of FBS was higher among individuals with moderate LTPA than in those with vigorous LTPA (OR: 1.65 CI95% 1.37, 3.23), and there was also an inverse association between light LTPA and MetS (OR: 2.08; CI95% 1.03, 4.21). This study confirmed that increased levels of LTPA are associated with a decreased likelihood of any inappropriate changes in components of Mets and the occurrence of Mets.