Objective: We tested the hypothesis that sedentary occupation workers who meet the physical activity recommendations present a lower risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS) than their nonactive counterparts.
Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 502 sedentary occupation workers. Physical activity level was self-reported. MetS was defined by International Diabetes Federation criteria.
Results: The active group showed lower odds for MetS [odds ratio (OR) 0.52, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.27 to 0.98], abdominal obesity (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.82), elevated blood pressure (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.84), and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.93) than the sedentary group after adjustments for age, time in job, body mass index, and tobacco use.
Conclusions: Sedentary occupation workers who meet the physical activity recommendations have a reduced risk for MetS.