Sedentary behavior and metabolic syndrome in physically active adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006

Objectives: The detrimental associations of sedentary behavior (SB) with metabolic syndrome have been shown to be independent of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA). Therefore, researchers, in addition to promoting MVPA, are calling attention to the need to reduce SB. However, there has been limited research on the association of SB with metabolic syndrome among those who already meet the PA guidelines. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between objectively measured SB and metabolic syndrome among those who meet the PA guideline. Methods: A total of 1613 adults (> 17 years) who met the PA guideline of 150 minutes/week of MVPA from the 2003 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included in the analysis. For analytical purposes, four sub-groups of SB were created based on quartiles of SB minutes. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the ATP III guidelines. Results: When controlling for covariates, participants in the fourth quartile of SB time (>= 539 minutes/day) were more likely to report metabolic syndrome (OR = 3.16; 95% CI: 1.47, 6.80) compared to those in the first quartile of SB time (<= 380 minutes/day). Also, participants in the third quartile of SB time (454-539 minutes/day) were more likely to report metabolic syndrome (OR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.25, 3.56) compared to those in the first quartile of SB time. Conclusion: This finding suggests that, even in those who meet the PA guidelines, detrimental associations with metabolic syndrome are observed with increasing SB time.