Reduction in metabolic syndrome among obese young men is associated with exercise-induced body composition changes during military service

Abstract Aims A population-based study of 1046 young Finnish men was performed to evaluate whether body composition changes observed during military service are associated with a reduction in prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and whether the effect is body mass index (BMI)-dependent. Methods...

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Published in:Diabetes research and clinical practice 2012-11, Vol.98 (2), p.312-319
Main Authors: Hagnäs, Maria P, Cederberg, Henna, Mikkola, Ilona, Ikäheimo, Tiina M, Jokelainen, Jari, Laakso, Mauri, Härkönen, Pirjo, Peitso, Ari, Rajala, Ulla, Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi, Sirkka
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Body Composition - physiology
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Exercise - physiology
Humans
Intervention
Male
Metabolic Syndrome - epidemiology
Metabolic Syndrome - prevention & control
Military Personnel
Obesity
Obesity - epidemiology
Obesity - prevention & control
Physical activity
Young Adult
Young adults
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Summary:Abstract Aims A population-based study of 1046 young Finnish men was performed to evaluate whether body composition changes observed during military service are associated with a reduction in prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and whether the effect is body mass index (BMI)-dependent. Methods A prospective study of 1046 men (mean age 19.2 years, SD 1.0), with follow-up during 6–12 months of military service in northern Finland. Anthropometry, body composition, biochemical measurements and physical fitness were assessed at baseline and follow-up. MetS was defined using the International Diabetes Federations (IDF) criterion, continuous MetS Z -score calculated, and changes evaluated in BMI categories. Results Prevalence of MetS at baseline and follow-up was 6.1% and 3.6%, respectively ( p < 0.001). Prevalence of MetS decreased by 40% ( p < 0.001) among the obese young men (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 ). Reduction in the MetS Z -score was mainly attributable to weight loss and reduced fat mass ( p < 0.001) and improvement in physical fitness (muscle fitness index, p = 0.016). Conclusions Beneficial exercise-induced changes in body composition significantly reduced the prevalence of MetS among young, obese men. Our findings support the efficacy of increased physical activity for prevention of early-onset cardiovascular disease, particularly among overweight and obese young men.
ISSN:0168-8227
1872-8227
DOI:10.1016/j.diabres.2012.09.009