Impact of combined lifestyle factors on metabolic syndrome in Korean men

Background The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between combined poor lifestyle factors and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Korean men. Methods Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010 were classified according to the number and combination patterns of poor lifestyle factors, namely, current smoking, high-risk alcohol use, low physical activity and poor dietary habits. We analyzed the association between the combined poor lifestyle factors and MetS. The definition of MetS was based on the joint interim statement of the International Diabetes Federation Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention in 2009. Results A total of 1408 men aged 20-75 were included in this study. Approximately one-third of the 30-49 age group had >= 3 combined poor lifestyle factors. Compared with those with no poor lifestyle factors, the ORs for MetS were 3.57 (95% CI 1.16-11.02), 3.62 (95% CI 1.18-11.08) and 6.31 (95% CI 2.08-19.26) in subjects with one, two and three or more poor lifestyle factors, respectively. When current smoking, high-risk alcohol use and low physical activity were concurrently present, the ORs for MetS, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia were 14.32 (95% CI 3.64-56.30), 4.49 (95% CI 1.62-12.40), and 5.07 (95% CI 2.18-11.81), respectively. Conclusions Comprehensive lifestyle modifications need to be stressed in public health programs.