Impact of Dietary Patterns on Metabolic Syndrome in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome has become a significant public health concern. This study aims to investigate the impact of dietary patterns on metabolic syndrome in young adults and how physical activity modulates this effect. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a health management center in Tianjin, China, from September 2022 to March 2023. Participants aged 18–35 years were recruited using convenience sampling. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression models evaluated associations between these patterns and metabolic syndrome, adjusting for potential confounders. Among 442 participants, four dietary patterns were identified: Legume–Nut, Alcohol–Meat, Sugar–Processed, and Egg–Vegetable. The Legume–Nut dietary pattern was associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome (OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.08–6.37), while the Egg–Vegetable dietary pattern was associated with a lower risk (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.10–0.70). No significant associations were found for the Sugar–Processed and Alcohol–Meat patterns. Subgroup analysis revealed that the Legume–Nut pattern increased the risk of metabolic syndrome among those with irregular physical activity, whereas the Egg–Vegetable pattern decreased the risk. These findings highlight the significant influence of dietary patterns on the risk of metabolic syndrome in young adults and the modifying effect of regular physical activity, underscoring the need for targeted dietary and lifestyle interventions to prevent metabolic syndrome in this population.