Physical inactivity, inflammation, and metabolic syndrome risk factors in young women
University of Idaho Seed Grant
Overview
abstract
There is nearly a three-fold increase in prevalence of overweight and obesity as women age from adolescence to young adulthood. Concurrent with this rise in obesity is a rise in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. In young women (20-39 years) the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), defined as a clustering of CVD risk factors, increased by 78% over a 10-year period. The reasons for this rise in prevalence are unknown but may be related to physical inactivity and subclinical inflammation. Thus, the aim of this study is to examine the relative role of sedentary activity, physical activity and inflammation on MetS risk factors in young women. We hypothesize that physical inactivity and inflammation will be significantly related to MetS risk factors and should be considered in the clinical diagnosis of MetS. To meet this aim we will recruit 40 women aged 20-39 years. Participants will undergo a fasting blood draw and measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, body composition and sedentary and physical activity. Results from this study will be submitted for publication and will serve as pilot data to support a grant to study the effects of an exercise intervention on the risk factors of the MetS in young women.