Dietary patterns as compared with physical activity in relation to metabolic syndrome among Chinese adults

AimsTo examine the nationally-representative dietary patterns and their joint effects with physical activity on the likelihood of metabolic syndrome (MS) among 20,827 Chinese adults.Methods and resultsCNNHS was a nationally representative cross-sectional observational study. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the Joint Interim Statement definition. The “Green Water” dietary pattern, characterized by high intakes of rice and vegetables and moderate intakes in animal foods was related to the lowest prevalence of MS (15.9%). Compared to the “Green Water” dietary pattern, the “Yellow Earth” dietary pattern, characterized by high intakes of refined cereal products, tubers, cooking salt and salted vegetable was associated with a significantly elevated odds of MS (odds ratio 1.66, 95%CI: 1.40–1.96), after adjustment of age, sex, socioeconomic status and lifestyle factors. The “Western/new affluence” dietary pattern characterized by higher consumption of beef/lamb, fruit, eggs, poultry and seafood also significantly associated with MS (odds ratio: 1.37, 95%CI: 1.13–1.67). Physical activity showed significant interactions with the dietary patterns in relation to MS risk (P for interaction = 0.008). In the joint analysis, participants with the combination of sedentary activity with the “Yellow Earth” dietary pattern or the “Western/new affluence” dietary pattern both had more than three times (95%CI: 2.8–6.1) higher odds of MS than those with active activity and the “Green Water” dietary pattern.ConclusionsOur findings from the large Chinese national representative data indicate that dietary patterns affect the likelihood of MS. Combining healthy dietary pattern with active lifestyle may benefit more in prevention of MS.