Comparison of the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Military and Non-Military (civilian) Personnel and Its Relationship with Lifestyle

The purpose of this research was to determine and compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the military and non-military personnel and its relationship with lifestyle to design appropriate interventions to prevent cardiovascular disease.

A total of 272 males employed in Ilam province participated in this cross-sectional (descriptive) study after submitting a written consent by completing a valid and reliable questionnaire. Body mass index, abdominal circumference, blood pressure and biochemical parameters (including HDL, triglycerides, and blood sugar) were also measured. Data were analyzed by SPSS22 software and proper descriptive and statistical tests.

The mean age of participants was 42.8 ± 5.18 and 56.99% were overweight or obese. Low consumption of fruits, vegetables and fish were the risk factors in their lifestyle. Regarding the measurement of biochemical parameters, all participants had triglycerides above 150 mg/dL and 66.54% had HDL less than 40 mg/dL. According to Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria, 41.17% of personnel had three to five risk factors and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among military personnel (13.49%) was lower than other occupations.

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is high among participants in the study. There was a significant relationship between lifestyle and the prevalence of the syndrome. The active lifestyle of military personnel seems to reduce the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in them. Therefore, educational intervention is recommended with emphasis on healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk factors for cardiovascular disease.