Sedentary Time Increases Risk of Metabolic Syndrome

A new study from Maastricht University examined how sedentary time and other behaviors affected metabolic syndrome. Researchers examined data on nearly 2,000 participants ages 40-75, and their daily activity was measured with an accelerometer. Data was also collected on cardiorespiratory fitness as measured by body-weight adjusted maximum power output.

On their own, less sedentary time, greater cardiorespiratory fitness, and more time spent in high-intensity physical activity were associated with lower risk for developing metabolic syndrome. Less sedentary time along with greater cardiorespiratory fitness was also independently connected with less type 2 diabetes. The odds of developing metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes were lowest among participants who engaged in high cardiorespiratory fitness.

These findings were published in Diabetologia on September 10, 2018.