Relative handgrip strength mediates the association between metabolic syndrome and health-related quality of life among Korean adult women

This study aimed to examine the association between metabolic syndrome and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Korean adult women and to investigate the mediating role of relative handgrip strength in this relationship. Data from 8771 women aged 19–80 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2018) were analyzed. Metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with lower HRQoL (B = − 0.006, p = .041). Relative handgrip strength showed a significant positive association with HRQoL (B = 0.031, p < .001) and a negative association with metabolic syndrome (B = − 0.027, p = .009). The indirect effect of metabolic syndrome on HRQoL through relative handgrip strength was statistically significant (B = − 0.001, 95% CI: −0.0013 to − 0.0001), indicating a partial mediating effect.