MyPlate is a guidance system for healthier eating choices. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the influence of MyPlate food group consumption and exercise on metabolic syndrome (MetS) parameters in college students. Participant (n = 462) blood was analyzed using Cholestech for triglycerides (TG), glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). In addition, weight, waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure (BP) were measured. Diet and Wellness Plus was used to compute participant diet records. Regression analysis and a recursive decision tree were made to predict MetS using RStudio (V.1.1.463). BP decision tree predicted high risk of elevated blood pressure with a recall rate of 93.7%. For males; exercise, empty calories, dairy, and protein were main predictors. For females, vegetable and empty calorie consumption were primary determinants. HDL-C decision tree had a recall rate of 91.8% and showed that the main low HDL-C risk determinants for males were; exercise and grain consumption. Conversely, for females; empty calories, grain, and vegetable consumption were the key factors determining low HDL-C risk. This study shows that MyPlate recommendations are valuable to achieve adequate HDL-C and blood pressure and provides insight into the importance of tailoring food intake guidance based on gender.
Objectives We analyzed macronutrient distribution and its effects on Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) among Weber State students. We hypothesized that MetS parameters will be positively affected by meeting the acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges (AMDRs) for carbohydrate, protein, and fat. Methods MetS data and two-day diet records were analyzed from 385 Weber State students (ages 18 to 65). Participants were separated by gender (Male: 128; Female: 257), and by macronutrient distribution. Groups indicated those who met all AMDRs for carbohydrate, protein, and fat, and those who did not. We also categorized participants as deficient (below 67% DRI) or sufficient in fiber intake (above/equal to 100% DRI). The mean differences on MetS parameters were evaluated by independent samples t-test. Results Females who met all the AMDR's, had significantly lower body weight (BW) (μ1 = 64.8 vs μ2 = 69.9 Kg; P = 0.042), waist circumference (WC) (μ1 = 77 vs μ2 = 81.2 cm; P = 0.028), HDL-C (μ1 = 51.2 vs μ2 = 56.3 mg/dL; P = 0.032), and blood glucose levels (μ1 = 87.4 vs μ2 = 90.2 mg/dL; P = 0.029) than those who failed to meet these recommendations. Participants consuming adequate fiber had lower BW (μ1 = 75.3 vs μ2 = 67.3 Kg; P = 0.005), lower WC (μ1 = 83.3 vs μ2 = 77.8 cm; P = 0.009), and higher HDL-C (μ1 = 48.5 vs μ2 = 55.4 mg/dL; P = 0.021) (P < 0.05) when compared with their deficient counterparts. Conclusions Meeting AMDRs showed no effect on MetS factors among males. In females, meeting AMDRs had positive effects on most MetS parameters with exception of HDL-C. Although HDL-C was decreased, total cholesterol was also reduced. Thus, leading to an unaffected HDL/Total-cholesterol-ratio, a more reliable predictor of cardiovascular disease. Adequate fiber intake beneficially affected central adiposity and HDL-C levels. Funding Sources Weber State University Office of Undergraduate Research.
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