Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity, and Related Risk Factors Among College Men and Women

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to characterize the prevalence of overweight/obesity, metabolic syndrome (MbS) and its criteria, and nutrient intakes of college-age men and women via a large-scale screening. Participants and Methods: From August 2005 to July 2008, 2,722 subjects were recruited for the ongoing, cross-sectional Young Adult Health Risk Screening Initiative project. Anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, and dietary data were collected. Results: Approximately one-half of men and more than one-quarter of women were overweight or obese. MbS was identified in 9.9% of men and 3.0% of women; 77% of men and 54% of women had at least 1 MbS criterion. Intakes of saturated fat, magnesium, and fiber, as well as body mass index and reported physical activity levels were related to MbS. Conclusions: Because of high rates of overweight/obesity and MbS, college-age adults are at risk for developing chronic diseases including diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease

Keywords:

• cardiovascular disease risk
• chronic disease
• college students
• metabolic syndrome
• obesity

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This study was supported by the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station and the Offices of the Associate Vice President for Research and Outreach Scholarship and Sustainability at UNH. The authors are grateful to Anne Ronan and her superb assistance during all data collection, Thomas Foxall for facilitating departmental and institutional support for the project, and Gale Carey for manuscript review.