Who Are Free from Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, and Diabetes Mellitus in the Middle-Aged and Elderly Population of Japan?

Abstract

In the present study, we explored who are more (less) likely to be diagnosed with mild lifestyle-related diseases (MLDs) defined as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus as a whole among middle-aged and elderly persons. Data from 11 years of the Longitudinal Survey of Middle-Aged and Elderly Persons by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare were used for the analyses. A complementary log–log model was chosen for the analyses. For men, those who drink alcohol were more likely to be diagnosed with MLDs. Former smokers were more likely to be diagnosed with MLDs than current smokers. Men who perform light exercise four days or more per week or those who perform vigorous exercise one to three days per week were less likely to be diagnosed with MLDs than those who did not exercise or exercised about one day per month. Men who take care of eating amounts were more likely to be diagnosed with MLDs. Men who brush teeth after meals were less likely to be diagnosed with MLDs. For women, those who drink alcohol were less likely to be diagnosed with MLDs. Former smokers were more likely to be diagnosed with MLDs than current smokers. Women who perform moderate exercise four days or more per week were more likely to be diagnosed with MLDs than those who did not exercise or exercised about one day per month. Women who take care of their eating amount or take vitamin/mineral supplements were more likely to be diagnosed with MLDs. Women who eat a variety of foods or maintain appropriate body weight levels were less likely to be diagnosed with MLDs. Some of these results are inconsistent with previous studies, are contrary to current understanding, or are not well known. Hence, further studies with a greater focus on causal relationships are required.