Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an increasingly common condition, with about 3% and 5% of children and adolescents, respectively, diagnosed with the condition in recent years. A new study published in the journal BMC Public Health examines the impact of a sedentary lifestyle and increased screen time on MetS among young Chinese individuals. Study: Association between sedentary behavior, screen time and metabolic syndrome among Chinese children and adolescents.
Image Credit: Pressmaster / Shutterstock.com MetS refers to a cluster of abnormal metabolic parameters, including abdominal obesity, hypertension, high triglyceride (TG) levels, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, and insulin resistance with impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes mellitus. MetS is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The rising prevalence of MetS among children and adolescents has increased concern among public health professionals. Childhood is a crucial intervention period for long-term health; therefore, identifying potentially modifiable risk factors for MetS, such as sedentary behavior and screen time, is vital. A sedentary lifestyle is one in which the individual expends 1.
5 metabolic equivalent tasks or less. A recent survey revealed that 25% of boys and girls sit for over three hours daily, in addition to time spent sitting while completing schoolwork and homework. Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 80% of.
