Physical Activity and Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Adults Living Alone: Gender Differences from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2014-2016

PURPOSE: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major public health issue associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.Although physical activity (PA) may reduce MetS risk, its gender-specific association among adults living alone remains unclear.This study examined the relationship between PA and MetS according to gender in South Korean adults living alone. METHODS:This cross-sectional study used data from 1,865 adults living alone who participated in the 2014-2016 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria.PA was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and categorized as meeting or not meeting the guideline of at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous PA.Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed after adjusting for age, body mass index, socioeconomic factors, smoking, and alcohol consumption. RESULTS:Overall, 16.5% of participants met the PA guideline, with lower adherence in women than in men.Women who did not meet the guideline had higher waist circumference and fasting glucose levels and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.After adjustment, women who did not meet the PA guideline had a higher likelihood of MetS than those who met the guideline (odds ratio, 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-2.97;p=.03).No significant association was observed in men.CONCLUSIONS: Among adults living alone, insufficient PA was associated with a higher likelihood of MetS in women, but not in men.These findings suggest the need for gender-specific strategies to promote PA among adults living alone.