Factors affecting metabolic syndrome amomg Korean middle aged women: Focusing on normal wight group

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and the impact of health-related variables and women's health-related variables on metabolic syndrome in middle-aged women of normal weight. The objective was to provide foundational data for the development of preventive education and intervention programs for metabolic syndrome among this population in the future. The study included 1,357 middle-aged women who participated in the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016, 2017, 2018) and were categorized as normal weight (BMI 18.5-22.9). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS WIN 27.0, and for all analyses, variance estimation strata, clusters, and integrated weights were calculated to perform complex sample analysis. Among the subjects, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 5.3%. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, age, menopausal status, and menopausal age were not significant factors. However, compared to those who reported their subjective health status as “good,” individuals reporting “reasonable” health had a significantly increased risk of metabolic syndrome. Additionally, individuals who did not engage in regular physical activity had a significantly increased risk of metabolic syndrome compared to those who did. The factor that most influences metabolic syndrome in middle-aged women of normal weight is subjective health status. Subjective health status can serve as an indicator for identifying high-risk groups for diseases or prioritizing interventions in the health management of middle-aged women in the future.