Relationship between physical activity and metabolic syndrome in population with sedentary job profile

Background: In recent years lifestyle related diseases are increasing globally, one such condition is Metabolic syndrome. Low physical activity levels being one of the major causative factor. Information Technology professionals because of their sedentary job profile and erratic schedule can be considered to be at risk of Metabolic syndrome. Hencethe study was carried out to study the correlation between physical activity levels and Metabolic syndrome components. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted considering 150 males in the age group 25–50 yrs. of Information Technology sector as subjects. Waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose levels, Serum Triglycerides, Serum HDL levels were correlated with leisure time physical activity levels, assessed by a standard self-reported questionnaire, Godin Shephard Leisure-time physical activity questionnaire. Results: We observed that all other components of Metabolic syndrome, except for Serum HDL levels, had a statistically significant negative correlation with physical activity levels. Conclusion: Low physical activity levels have a detrimental effect on Metabolic syndrome components. These results can be of help to create awareness among the population with sedentary job profiles and also the general population. Importance of physical activity and lifestyle modifications for prevention of Metabolic syndrome and its consequences can be explained to I.T. professionals.