The Interplay of Diet, Lifestyle, and Metabolic Risk Among Saudi Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial condition characterized by central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and hyperglycaemia, predisposing individuals to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between dietary intake, sociodemographic factors, and components of MetS among Saudi adults aged 30 years and older attending King Abdulaziz University Hospital. Fifty-three participants meeting MetS diagnostic criteria were assessed through anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers, and two-day dietary recalls analyzed using MyFood24 software. Descriptive and correlation analyses were conducted using SPSS 26.0. The majority of participants (73.6%) were aged over 50 years, were obese (75.5%), and exhibited a high waist circumference (94.3%). Low fibre (6.6 g/day) and high fat (41.8 g/day) intake patterns were evident. Salt intake showed a significant inverse correlation with systolic blood pressure (ρ = −0.36, p < 0.01), potentially reflecting under-reporting or dietary adjustments following diagnosis. Higher BMI correlated positively with waist circumference and diastolic pressure, while frequent physical activity correlated negatively with these parameters. These findings emphasize the influence of diet and lifestyle on metabolic risk and underscore the need for culturally tailored interventions promoting balanced macronutrient intake, increased fibre consumption, and enhanced physical activity to mitigate MetS prevalence among Saudi adults.