The Association of Physical Activity and Diet with Metabolic Syndrome among University Students in Kenya
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Date
2020
Authors
Mbugua, Samuel Mungai
Munyoki, Gilbert
Kimani, Samuel Thuo
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Advances in Scientific Research and Engineering (ijasre)
Abstract
The occurrence of these lifestyle related practices and dietary habits at early age has been shown to increase the predisposition
towards metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome refers to disorders occurring together resulting in an increase in the risk of
diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Prevalence rate was established at 1.9% indicative of occurrence of predisposing risks of
metabolic syndrome in university students. A cross-sectional, quantitative research design was used. 323 participants were
sampled from a population of 40,000 students with stratification according to the various school sizes. A self-administered
questionnaire was used to collect data. 61.3% of the respondents did not exercise regularly, 72.3% snacked frequently, 60.6% of
the subjects that were not diagnosed with metabolic syndrome were fit, 37.2% needed to work on their fitness while only 2.2%
were out of shape. The relationship between sedentary lifestyle as a risk factor and metabolic syndrome was statistically
significant, as was the relationship between dietary habits and metabolic syndrome. The study established that 85.4% of the
subjects were not sure of the amount of calories they consumed in a day and 13.9% of the subjects reported they had weight issues
that affected their academics. Modifications in lifestyle habits, physical activity and dietary composition can result in a positive
impact on metabolic syndrome and its progression. A mandatory extra co-curricular program requiring students to participate in
exercise and sports activities should be enforced to positively engage university students. Vulnerable groups such as the prehypertensive
and obese should also be closely monitored.
Description
A research article published in International Journal of
Advances in Scientific Research and Engineering (ijasre)
Keywords
Sedentary lifestyle, Dietary Habits, Metabolic Syndrome, Physical Activity
Citation
Mbugua, S. M., Munyoki, G., & Kimani, S. T. (2020). The Association of Physical Activity and Diet with Metabolic Syndrome among University Students in Kenya.