Lifestyle & nutritional factors influencing Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) among adults in Johor, Malaysia

Metabolic syndrome (MetS; a combination of obesity, hypertension, high blood sugar and lipid) is highly prevalent among Malaysians making them vulnerable to diabetes and heart-attack. A survey along with clinical tests on 481 Malaysian adults in Johor indicated its prevalence to be 32.2%, which was highest among Indians and lowest among Chinese. Lack of physical activity, frequent dining out, skipping breakfast, late dining, quick finishing of meals, high consumption of cereal/cereal products, fats/oils and low intakes of fruits and vegetables were found to increase the risk of MetS. Awareness programs are needed to combat MetS in Johor, Malaysia.