Metabolic syndrome, its components, and their association with dietary patterns among early adolescents in Sudan.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of global metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing alongside childhood obesity, and diet plays an important role in metabolic health.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined MetS, its components, and dietary pattern associations among Sudanese early adolescents aged 10-15 years (N = 921).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study conducted in 2018-2019, dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire; dietary patterns were derived by principal component analysis; and associations with MetS components and weight status were examined using the multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Three patterns emerged: starchy/animal-origin (starchy foods, fish, chicken, eggs, milk/dairy, meat), Western (fast/fried foods, snacks, soda drinks, sweets), and plant-based (legumes, vegetables, fruits, fresh juices) food patterns. Starchy/animal-origin and Western patterns were positively associated with weight status, and the plant-based pattern was inversely associated with weight status (all p < 0.01). After adjusting for gender, residence, age, and parental education, the starchy/animal-origin pattern was associated with greater waist circumference (WC; B = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.50, 2.60, p < 0.01) and higher systolic blood pressure (SBP; B = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.03, 1.21, p = 0.038). The Western pattern was associated with lower WC (B = -0.84, 95% CI: -1.52, -0.15, p = 0.016), whereas the plant-based pattern was associated with lower WC (B = -2.70, 95% CI: -3.28, -2.14, p < 0.01), lower SBP (B = -1.14, 95% CI: -1.75, -0.53, p < 0.01), and lower diastolic blood pressure (B = -0.68, 95% CI: -1.29, -0.07, p = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

The starchy/animal-origin pattern showed adverse adiposity, while the plant-based pattern showed more favorable profiles among Sudanese early adolescents. School-based dietary interventions are needed to promote balanced eating and reduce MetS risk.