Population-based study in Lithuania: lifestyle factors and risk of metabolic syndrome

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between lifestyle characteristics and the probability of metabolic syndrome in the Lithuanian middle-aged population of Kaunas city. Study sample was comprised of 1403 individuals aged 35-64 years. Metabolic syndrome was defined by International Diabetes Federation definition. Lifestyle habits were evaluated using frequency questionnaires. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was identified in 29.7% of men and 35.1% of women. In men only alcohol intake increased the risk of metabolic syndrome: wine intake daily or several times a week increased the risk of metabolic syndrome in men aged 35-49 years by 3.8-fold whereas intake of spirits once a week or more often increased the risk of metabolic syndrome in men aged 50-64 years by 2.8-fold. In women aged 50-64 years beer intake daily or several times a week (OR=11.9; p=0.015) and some unhealthy nutrition habits - intake of cakes 4 times a week or more often (OR=5.49; p=0.005) and slather spread butter on bread (OR=2.09; p=0.028) increased the odds of metabolic syndrome. Our findings indicated that frequent intake of wine and spirits increased the risk of metabolic syndrome in men; frequent intake of beer, cakes, slather spread butter on bread and low education level increased the risk of metabolic syndrome in women.