Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its relationship with leisure time physical activity among Peruvian adults

  1. B. Gelaye1,
  2. L. Revilla2,4,
  3. T. Lopez2,
  4. S. Sanchez3,
  5. M. A. Williams1

Article first published online: 26 JUN 2009

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2009.02191.x

Issue

European Journal of Clinical Investigation

European Journal of Clinical Investigation

Volume 39, Issue 10, pages 891–898, October 2009

Additional Information

How to Cite

Gelaye, B., Revilla, L., Lopez, T., Sanchez, S. and Williams, M. A. (2009), Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its relationship with leisure time physical activity among Peruvian adults. European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 39: 891–898. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2009.02191.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Epidemiology, Multidisciplinary International Research Training Program, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA

  2. 2

    Direccion General de Epidemiologia, Ministerio de Salud, Peru

  3. 3

    Instituto Nacional de Salud, Lima, Peru

  4. 4

    Correction added on 7 September 2009, after first online publication: the second author's name, L. R. Tafur was corrected to L. Revilla

*Bizu Gelaye, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington (HSB F-161B), 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357236, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA. Tel.: +1-(206)-543-7559; fax: +1-(206)-543-8525; e-mail: mirt@u.washington.edu

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 15 SEP 2009
  2. Article first published online: 26 JUN 2009
  3. Received 26 February 2009; accepted 5 June 2009

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Keywords:

  • Metabolic syndrome;
  • Peru;
  • physical activity

Abstract

Background  Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an important risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have suggested an inverse relationship between physical activity and MetS. However, these findings were inconsistent, and few investigators have examined these associations among South Americans. We estimated the prevalence of MetS and its association with leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among Peruvian adults.

Materials and methods  This cross-sectional study of 1675 individuals (619 men and 1056 women) was conducted among residents in Lima and Callao, Peru. Information about LTPA, socio-demographical and other lifestyle characteristics was collected by interview. The presence of MetS was defined using the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria.

Results  Overall, the prevalence of MetS was 26·9% and was more common among women (29·9%) than men (21·6%). Habitual participation in LTPA was associated with a 23% reduced risk of MetS (OR = 0·77; 95% CI: 0·60–1·03). There was an inverse trend of MetS risk with amount of LTPA (P = 0·016). Compared with non-exercisers, those who exercised <150 min/week had a 21% reduced risk of MetS (AOR = 0·79; 95% CI 0·60–1·04). Individuals who exercised ≥150 min/week, compared with non-exercisers, had a 42% reduced risk of MetS (AOR = 0·58; 95% CI: 0·36–0·93). Associations of similar magnitudes were observed when men and women were studied separately.

Conclusion  These data document a high prevalence of MetS and suggest an association with LTPA among urban dwelling Peruvians. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these observations and to examine interventions that may promote increased physical activity in this population.

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