Anthropomorphic projections of subjective quality of life

Abstract Background In response to the growing imact of metabolic syndrome, better understanding of the relationship between bodily parameters and social parameters of quality of life (QL) may give new opportunities for health promotion. Objectives А student-led investigation investigation was conducted in the frame of the project “Team-based student practice for metabolic syndrome prevention” in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, aiming to: (1) explore the anthropomorphic parameters (BMI, waist circumference, fat/muscle composition) on six subjective QL domains; (2) assess age, gender, and social determinants in a cohort of 2468 randomly selected individuals aged 16-85; and (3) identify statistically significant correlations between health behaviors and physiological reserve. Results The strongest correlations were found between biological QL (BQL) and adaptive (AQL, p < 0.001), material (WQL, p < 0.001), and personal identity (IQL, p < 0.001) domains, as parts of more general social quality of life (SQL). Women with moderate (SQL) had significantly lower BMI, waist circumference, and fat tissue compared to both lower and higher SQL categories (p < 0.001). In men, economic status influenced body composition: those with high income and less free time showed lower fat mass and higher muscle mass, independent of BMI. Conclusions Physiological indicators are linked not only to objective health but also to subjective perceptions of well-being and social and personal parameters of quality of life. These findings underscore the importance of personalized prevention strategies that target lifestyle behaviors across multiple social and psychological dimensions. It seems that changes in personality and social behavior has potential to improve subjective self-perception about quality of life and, as a secondary effect, to contribute to normalization of body parameters in benefit to prevention fo metabolic syndrome. Key messages • Lifestyle-linked physiological indicators significantly associate with subjective quality of life. • Socioeconomic and behavioral contexts are essential in metabolic syndrome prevention.