Modifiable lifestyle risk factors and metabolic syndrome: opportunities for a web-based preventive program

Lifestyle is recognized as a key factor as the cause and management of the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to identify individuals at increased cardiovascular diseases risk and determine main features of lifestyle of participants with metabolic syndrome via internet.

The study was conducted from Jun 22 to August 22, 2012 in Tehran, Iran. Recruitment was carried out through the study website. Participants with metabolic syndrome who were interested and met the study criteria were invited for free clinic visits and clinical assessments. Baseline measurements were metabolic syndrome risk factors. Physical activity and dietary intake were measured by international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ- short form) and the frequency food questionnaire (FFQ) respectively. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to Adult Treatment Panel III diagnostic criteria.

Mean (SD) age for men and women were 41.9 (10.4) and 48.1 (7.8) yr respectively. Men were well educated and more likely to participate in the study than women. Men with metabolic syndrome had larger waist circumference (105.5) and lower BMI (29.1) than women with metabolic syndrome (P<0.001). Approximately 73% of the sample was inactive and 3% of participants had health enhancing physical activity. There were significant differences in the intakes of total fat and cholesterol between men and women (P<0.001).

Because of the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome, national lifestyle modification policies must be developed for population. Web-based healthy lifestyle programs may contribute to the reduction of the metabolic syndrome components.