Lifestyle counseling reduces metabolic syndrome prevalence in the short term

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of lifestyle counseling on metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence in the short term. This was a before-after study design conducted in a nutrition outpatient clinic. Participants were adults presenting with MetS according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. In the study 109 individuals (mean age 41 ± 9.6 years old) were included, the majority women (82,6%). Participants received individualized dietary prescription guidelines for healthy eating and were encouraged to perform physical activity. After five months, a decrease of 21.5% in the prevalence of MetS (p<0,001) was observed Significant mean reductions (p<0,001) in bodyweight (3.5 ± 3.4 Kg), waist circumference (4.0 ± 4.0 cm), triglycerides (33.8 ± 69.6 mg/dl) and fasting glucose we observed (6.6 ± 18.3 mg/dl), while HDL cholesterol showed an increase (2.6 ± 6.1mg/dl, p<0,001). We conclude that lifestyle counseling consisting of individualized nutritional guidance through a balanced diet, physical activity promotion and change in lifestyle can reduce the prevalence of MetS in the short term.