Supervisors info:
Νικόλαος Φώτος, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής, ΕΚΠΑ, Επιβλέπων
Ηρώ Μπροκαλάκη, Ομότιμη Καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής, ΕΚΠΑ
Κωνσταντίνος Γιακουμιδάκης, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής, Ελληνικό Μεσογειακό Πανεπιστήμιο
Summary:
Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of metabolic disorders and is the commonly observed clustering of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, high blood glucose, elevated triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and visceral fat. In addition, individuals with the metabolic syndrome are at high risk for atherosclerosis and, consequently, cardiovascular disease.
Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine impact of physical activity and diet in the treatment of metabolic syndrome, through systematic review of the international literature.
Material and Methods: The articles were searched in the PubMed and Cochrane bibliographic database using the following keywords: «metabolic syndrome», «exercise», «physical activity», «strength training», «resistance training», «aerobic fitness», «weight training», «diet», «nutrition». The keywords were used alone and in combination. The selection criteria for the article search were the following: a) published studies in the last 10 years, b) published studies in English and c) patients aged above 18 years, of both genders.
Results: A total of 210 studies were initially found, of which 7 were finally selected, related to diet and physical activity in persons with MetS, including diet patterns (carbohydrate intake, fat intake, fiber intake, fruit, vegetable and grain intake), diet time, type of physical activity, intensity and time of physical activity. All studies reviewed reported improvement in individual MetS variables following dietary intervention and lifestyle modification related to physical exercise. Physical exercise can effectively improve the metabolic parameters of patients with metabolic syndrome, such as waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol etc. In addition, according to the results of the studies, health care providers should set dietary management goals for patients with MetS bearing in mind that no dietary pattern is suitable for all patients with MetS, which should be selected according to their treatment goals and dietary preferences.
Conclusions: Physical activity and diet management can effectively improve the parameters of MetS and reduce its prevalence and future occurrence.
Keywords:
Metabolic syndrome, Exercise, Physical activity, Strength training, Resistance training, Aerobic fitness, Weight training, Diet, Nutrition
