Fatness, Fitness and Lifestyle

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Ferreira I, Twisk JWR, von Mechelen W, et al. Development of fatness, fitness, and lifestyle from adolescence to the age of 36 years. Arch Intern Med 165:42-48, 2005.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Obesity, high lipids (fat in the blood), high blood pressure, and poor blood glucose control are problems that, when they happen at the same time, are called metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a growing problem in the U.S. A person with metabolic syndrome is more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD, or heart and blood vessel disease) and other problems.

Other research has found that many things can cause metabolic syndrome. However, little is known about how body fat, fitness, and a person’s lifestyle are connected to metabolic syndrome. Researchers wanted to find out how to better prevent and treat metabolic syndrome.

Who was studied?

The study included 364 boys and girls in the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study, a project that began in 1977. The overall goal of this study was to follow children for a very long time to observe the natural growth, health, and lifestyle of teenagers. The average age of participants at the beginning of the study was 13. They were followed until they were 36 years old.

How was the study done?

Each participant had a physical exam and other tests at the beginning of the study and again two to eight more times during the follow-up period.

What did the researchers find?

According to the researchers, fatness, fitness, and lifestyle are all important risks for metabolic syndrome. They found that people with metabolic syndrome had more body fat during their teenage years, were less physically fit, did less exercise and ate more calories, and drank less alcohol.

What were the limitations of the study?

Information about lifestyle choices such as physical activity and eating habits is based on what the participants remembered and may not be accurate.

What are the implications of the study?

The study suggests that taking action early in life, during the shift from being a teenager to being an adult, may be important for preventing metabolic syndrome.