Association between leisure time physical activity and metabolic syndrome: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

Abstract

A great number of prospective studies have investigated the relationship between leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk. However, the results have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between LTPA and MetS risk. Literature databases were searched including PubMed and Embase up to June 2013. A total of 17 studies, including 64,353 participants and 11,271 incident cases, were included in the meta-analysis. A high level of LTPA was statistically associated with decreased risk of MetS [high vs. low: relative risk (RR) = 0.80, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.75-0.85], whereas a moderate level of LTPA was weakly associated with decreased risk of MetS (moderate vs. low: RR = 0.95, 95 % CI 0.91-1.00). Subgroup analyses indicated that the association between a moderate level of LTPA and decreased risk of MetS was only significant in men (moderate vs. low: RR = 0.88, 95 % CI 0.81-0.97) and in studies with more than a 10-year follow-up period (moderate vs. low: RR = 0.90, 95 % CI 0.84-0.97). A high level of LTPA was statistically associated with decreased risk of MetS in each subgroup. A higher level of LTPA is associated with a lower risk of MetS. These findings could have public health implications with regard to prevention of MetS through lifestyle interventions.

Particulate matter pollutants and risk of type 2 diabetes: a time for concern?

“…Finally, reducing time spent in sedentary behaviors (television viewing, overall sitting) may improve general health and reduce the burden of metabolic diseases [33]; for instance, a meta-analysis of prospective studies, including 64,353 participants and 11,271 incident cases, demonstrated that a high level of leisure-time physical activity was associated with a 20 % reduced risk of incident metabolic syndrome [34], a prediabetic state.…”

Increased physical activity may be more protective for metabolic syndrome than reduced caloric intake. An analysis of estimated energy balance in U.S. adults: 2007–2010 NHANES

“…Investigations into the relationship between PA and Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) have been fairly consistent and indicate there is an inverse relationship between the two, primarily when measuring Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) [5]. During the early rise of obesity in Britain, it was observed total caloric intake declined as obesity rates increased, and it was hypothesized the confounding factor was decreased activity [6].…”

Physical activity patterns and metabolic syndrome in Costa Rica

“…Studies in several international populations suggest that higher total levels of physical activity are associated with lower incidence and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (Bertrais et al, 2005; Cho et al, 2009; Dunstan et al, 2005; He et al, 2013; Irwin et al, 2002; Lakka and Laaksonen, 2007; Panagiotakos et al, 2004; Santos et al, 2007; Zhu et al, 2004) and that low levels of physical activity are associated with progression to metabolic syndrome over time (Ekelund et al, 2005); however, these relationships may not be consistent by type or intensity of physical activity (Ford et al, 2005; He et al, 2013; Lakka and Laaksonen, 2007; Lakka et al, 2003). , Cardiorespiratory fitness is also related to lower incidence (Ninomiya et al, 2004) and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (Irwin et al, 2002; Lakka and Laaksonen, 2007; Lee et al, 2005).…”