Dietary Intake, Physical Activity and Metabolic Syndrome in African Americans, Hispanics and Whites

The objective of the study was to compare the dietary intakes and physical activity levels among Whites, African Americans, and Hispanics with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS).

The study was based on secondary analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012.

The NHANES's target population is the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S.

The sample was made up of 2,449 subjects aged 40 years or more, of both genders, and of three ethnic groups (African Americans, Whites and Hispanics).

Mean intakes of food energy, total fat, total saturated fatty acids, total monounsaturated fatty acids, cholesterol, lycopene, selenium and sodium were significantly higher in Whites with MetS. African-Americans with MetS had significantly lower dietary intakes of beta-carotene and total sugars. Also, mean vitamin A and beta-carotene intakes were significantly lower in the Hispanic subjects with MetS. Vigorous and moderate physical activity levels were significantly lower in African Americans and Hispanics with MetS. Computer use was significantly higher in Whites with MetS.

Variables significantly predictive of MetS were age, male gender, African-American ethnicity, BMI, and lycopene intake.