Association Between Physical Activity, Mediterranean Diet Adherence, and Metabolic Syndrome in Adult Men and Women with Metabolic Syndrome in Iran: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The Mediterranean diet (MD) and physical activity (PA) are inversely associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Objectives: We aimed to determine the correlation between MD, PA, and MetS variables among Iranian adults. Methods: A random sampling method was used across five cities in Iran, with participants selected from healthcare centers. A total of 284 individuals diagnosed with MetS, aged 30 to 59 and over 60 years, participated. The MD and PA were assessed using the MD and Short International PA Questionnaires (Ipaq). The MetS was defined based on international criteria. Results: Men had significantly higher MetS risk scores than women (P ≤ 0.05, effect size: d = 0.37). Overall, PA was significantly higher in individuals aged 30 - 60 years compared to those over 60 years old (P ≤ 0.001, effect size: d = 0.64), while those over 60 years showed a higher MD score than individuals aged 30 - 60 years (P ≤ 0.001, effect size: d = 0.49). The MetS did not correlate with MD and PA (P > 0.05). However, there was an inverse correlation between MD and light PA (P < 0.05). Finally, our dependent variables were influenced by the city of residence (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Central obesity and a history of metabolic disorders are the main reasons for the prevalence of MetS in our study. The lower PA levels in older adults, along with the early onset of MetS, highlight the need for social policies that promote a Mediterranean lifestyle. These findings are consistent with existing literature, which suggests that environmental and cultural factors play a role in health outcomes. Further research is required to gain a deeper understanding of this issue. Central obesity and a history of metabolic disorders are the main reasons for the prevalence of MetS in our study. The lower PA levels in older adults, along with the early onset of MetS, highlight the need for social policies that promote a Mediterranean lifestyle. These findings are consistent with existing literature, which suggests that environmental and cultural factors play a role in health outcomes. Further research is required to gain a deeper understanding of this issue.