Comparison of Metabolic Syndrome, Uric Acid and Leisure Time Physical Activity between Former Athletes and Non-Athlees

Abstract

This study aims to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS), overweight and obesity, uric acid (UA), and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among former athletes and non-athletes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Moreover, to determine the effects of previous high intensity training on MS risk factors, overweight and obesity, and UA. Seventy-five (75) former athletes and twenty-six (26) non-athletes, aged between 26 and 60 years old, participated in this study. Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), and blood samples were collected by the researcher. LTPA was reported by participants. The study results showed that 38.61% of former athletes have MS and 17.82% of non-athletes have MS. The study also showed that 31.68% of former athletes were overweight and 26.73% were obese. However, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among non-athletes was 9.90%. 23.76% of former athletes had high level of UA, whereas 14.85% of non-athletes had high level of UA. According to the study findings 28% former athletes participated in high physical activity (PA), 38.67% in moderate PA, and 33.33% in low PA, while 19.23% of non-athletes participated in high PA, 38.46% in moderate PA, and 42.31% in low PA. Former athletes had lower mean of body mass index, WC, fasting blood glucose (FBG), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and UA than non-athletes. In addition, higher mean of low high-density lipoprotein (HDL). However, former athletes had higher mean of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and triglycerides (TG) than non-athletes.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its association with rapid weight loss among former elite combat sports athletes in Serbia

“…Resistance and strength training have a positive influence on insulin resistance, stimulating the uptake of glucose by muscle cells [ 1 ]. Physical activity is considered very efficient regarding the effects on the metabolic profile of former athletes [ 2 ]. Physical exercise is also associated with many health-related benefits, reducing the risk of developing various chronic diseases, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type II diabetes mellitus [ 3 – 5 ].…”

Does Participation in Sport Protect Former Saudi Arabian Athletes from High Blood Glucose after Retirement?

“…Moreover, it is has been reported that engaging in regular PA and exercise in early stages of life has a significant role in later life [3,5,6,9]. Participating in sports in early life can lower the prevalence of several noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes [10]. According to Batista and Soares [6], to be an athlete at a high level is often associated with the possibility of a decline in the appearance of several noncommunicable diseases.…”