Association between daily sitting time and prevalent metabolic syndrome in an adult working population: the AWHS cohort

Objective: the aim of this analysis was to measure the association between daily sitting time and prevalent metabolic syndrome, independently of the physical activity performed.

Subjects and methods: the Aragon Workers' Health Study cohort consists of 5 865 participants from which a sample of 1 415 male participants (40-55 years old) with completed data at baseline was selected. Sitting time and physical activity were assessed by validated questionnaires, and the socio-demographic, clinical and biochemical covariates needed to diagnose metabolic syndrome were collected as part of the study protocols. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the modified National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were carried out to quantify this association using sitting time categorized into tertiles.

Results: mean sitting time was 5.78 +/- 1.72 h/day, and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 19.2%. Comparing participants in the highest (>6.57 h/day) versus lowest (1.85-4.57 h/day) tertile of sitting time, a positive association was observed for metabolic syndrome (OR 1.77, 95 %CI: 1.25-2.49) and triglyceride (OR 1.70, 95%CI: 1.30-2.24), HDL-cholesterol (OR 1.65, 95%CI: 1.06-2.58), waist circumference (OR 1.57, 95 %CI: 1.17-2.11) and fasting blood glucose (OR 1.35, 95 %CI: 1.03-1.77) criteria, adjusting the level of physical activity.

Conclusions: higher sitting time is associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome independently of physical activity performed. These results could be useful to carry out effective strategies for cardiovascular health promotion especially in workplaces.