Study: Impact of Dietary Patterns on Metabolic Syndrome in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study. Image Credit: Kmpzzz / Shutterstock.com
Balanced nutrition and exercise key players in combating rising metabolic syndrome rates among young adults
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by glucose intolerance, abnormally high blood triglyceride levels, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, high blood pressure, and central obesity. Currently affecting 17.4% of young adults, the incidence of metabolic syndrome continues to rise worldwide.
In a recent study published in the journal Nutrients, researchers examine how dietary habits in young adulthood impact the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
About the study
The current study compared the macronutrient content, interactions, and metabolic effects of several diets. It also examined the effect of modifying physical activity on metabolic syndrome risk with different dietary patterns.
The current study, conducted in Tianjin, China, between September 2022 and March 2023, included 442 people between 18 and 35 years of age, whose dietary patterns were evaluated using food frequency questionnaires.
Four key dietary patterns and their nutrient profiles
The participants' dietary patterns were categorized into four groups, including Legume-Nut, Alcohol-Meat, Sugar-Processed, and Egg-Vegetable diets.
The Legume-Nut pattern, which included high bean, tuber, and nut intake, along with seafood consumption, provided unsaturated fat, fiber, and micronutrients. Notably, this diet closely resembles the Chinese Traditional Pasta dietary pattern.
The Alcohol-Meat pattern comprised red and processed meat consumption, high saturated fat and protein intake, and alcoholic beverages. This diet corresponds to the Chinese High-Quality protein dietary pattern.
The Sugar-Processed group reported a high consumption of sugary drinks, fried foods, and pastries, which associated this dietary pattern with high levels of refined sugars and unhealthy fats.
The Egg-Vegetable group reported the consumption of eggs, fresh vegetables, whole grains, and white meat. Thus, this dietary pattern, which closely reflects the Traditional Rice diet in China, offers healthy protein and fiber consumption, limited fat intake, and adequate carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Participant characteristics
In all groups, study participants in the highest quartile were mostly male, taller, and heavier than those in the lowest quartile.
Smoking, drinking, and less frequent physical activity were more likely to be reported in the highest quartile of the Sugar-Processed pattern. In the Alcohol-Meat group, most individuals were older and more likely to drink or smoke.
In the highest Legume-Nut quartile, the mean age was younger as compared to the lowest quartile. This group also comprised a greater number of individuals residing in rural areas.
Dietary pattern vs metabolic syndrome risk
The risk of metabolic syndrome was more than double in the highest quartile of the Legume-Nut group, with an increase of 163% above the lowest quartile, particularly among those with irregular physical activity. This subgroup was also at a four-fold increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome as compared to the lowest quartile.
This increased risk may be attributed to the diet's deficiency of fiber, coupled with its high carbohydrate content, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Both processed white meat and seafood are rich in sodium, which may increase blood pressure and, as a result, the risk of metabolic syndrome. Nuts and seafood provide ‘'ood’'fats; however, excessive consumption can lead to weight gain unless the person is physically active.
Study participants in the Egg-Vegetable group were older and more likely to be married, drink, and smoke. The individuals in the highest quartile of this group had a 74% reduced risk of metabolic syndrome compared to those in the lowest quartile, particularly among those with irregular physical activity.
This dietary pattern includes increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which provide dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates. Slower absorption promotes a slower rise in blood sugar while increasing feelings of satiety. Healthy fats from vegetable oils and relatively low carbohydrate levels improve cardiovascular health.
No associations were observed between the risk of metabolic syndrome and the Sugar-Processed and Alcohol-Meat groups, which could be due to these simplistic food combinations.
Physical activity, diet, and metabolic syndrome
Irregular physical activity is associated with lower basal metabolic rate (BMR) and less energy expenditure. With high-carbohydrate and high-fat dietary patterns like the Legume-Nut diet, excessive energy consumption may lead to weight gain.
With regular physical activity, the adverse effects of diet are offset by increased BMR and peripheral utilization of glucose in the muscles during exercise or vigorous physical activity.
Conclusions
These findings highlight the significant influence of dietary patterns on the risk of metabolic syndrome in young adults and the modifying effect of regular physical activity.”
In the current study, the Legume-Nut diet was associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome among young adults with irregular physical activity than the lower risk associated with the Egg-Vegetable pattern. Thus, a balanced diet and specific preventative strategies like regular vigorous physical activity should be emphasized to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.
The study findings corroborate earlier findings on specific dietary components, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, that reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Nevertheless, more extensive studies with longer follow-up periods must be conducted to establish the causal role of diet and its long-term effects on the development of metabolic syndrome.
Journal reference:
- Liu, J., Lu, W., Lv, Q., et al. (2024). Impact of Dietary Patterns on Metabolic Syndrome in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients. doi:10.3390/nu16172890.