The role that diet plays in the origin of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is not completely understood. Certain foods and nutrients have been established as dietary risk factors for MetS. However, the dietary patterns associated with MetS risk have been minimally studied with factor analysis. Our objective in this study was to use exploratory factor analysis to examine whether particular dietary patterns are related to risk of MetS in Mexican adults. We characterized the dietary patterns among 5240 men and women aged 20-70 y in the Health Workers Cohort Study. Information on participants' sociodemographic conditions and physical activity was collected via self-administered questionnaires. We also obtained anthropometric and clinical measurements and fasting blood samples for biochemical analyses. In a cross-sectional analysis, we examined dietary patterns in relation to MetS, defined using criteria from the Adult Treatment Panel III. Factor analysis revealed 3 major dietary patterns: prudent, Western, and high protein/fat. The prevalence of MetS was 26.6%. After adjustment for potential confounders, compared with participants in the lowest tertile of the Western pattern, those in the highest tertile had higher odds ratios (OR) for high fasting glucose (OR, 1.67; 95% CI: 1.36-2.06), low serum HDL cholesterol (OR, 1.55; 95% CI: 1.31-1.83), and MetS (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.31-1.88). However, we found no significant associations between other patterns and MetS. In summary, a diet high in soft drinks, refined grains, corn tortillas, pastries, seafood, and whole grains was associated with MetS risk. This result emphasizes the importance of preventive nutrition interventions.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of weight-loss practices among university students from Tlaxcala, Mexico.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 2,651 university students was conducted. Logistic regression tests were used to estimate the probability of students trying to lose weight and successfully achieving weight loss.ResultsNearly 40% of students attempted to lose weight, though only about 7% lost more than 10% of their body weight and maintained this weight loss during the time of the study. The methods used most were exercise and dieting, and those who dieted were more successful at losing weight.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of weight-loss attempts and the poor outcomes with these weight-loss methods among this sample of university students is a public health concern. Universities should provide students with healthy weight-control approaches, which include offering information about healthier lifestyles, access to healthy food and opportunities to be physically active.

Un programa de actividad física en el lugar de trabajo en una universidad pública de México puede reducir los costos médicos asociados a la diabetes tipo 2 e hipertensión.