ABSTRACT Background: Although no reliable data confirm this, nutritional patterns in Punjab are fast transiting toward more processed, high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt foods. Thus, the pandemic of noncommunicable diseases on metabolic syndrome (MetS) is burgeoning in middle-aged individuals. Simultaneously, there is scant regional evidence of the relationship between changing nutritional quality with metabolic health consequences. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of the 845 middle-aged 35–59-year-old adults from Punjab’s urban and rural areas was conducted by structured Likert scale questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of sections that assessed dietary, physical activity, lifestyle behaviors, and awareness about metabolic health. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between nutrition behavior and the existence of MetS components. The study aimed to evaluate metabolic health based on the presence of obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia among participants. Results: Regular high-sugar and high-fat foods were consumed by 57.4 percent and low physical activity by 64.2%. MetS was diagnosed in 38.5% of respondents, being more common among urban residents (45.6%) than rural residents (32.1%; P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant association between frequent fast-food consumption, and MetS risk P < 0.01. A respondent who claimed to be aware of dietary harm was less likely to have MetS, with odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.71 (0.52–0.97). Conclusion: The study reveals a strong link between changing dietary patterns and the increasing occurrence of MetS among middle-aged individuals in Punjab. The findings highlight the urgent need for public health initiatives focused on nutritional education and the promotion of healthier lifestyle practices across the region.
Monday et al. (Wed,) studied this question.