Association between non-obesity and health state among young Japanese maleuniversity students

摘要

[Purpose] The obesity rate in both males and females has been lower in Japan than inother countries. However, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome-related risk factors is notlow when compared with that in Western countries. In this study, we aimed to evaluate thehealth state of young, non-obese adults in Japan. [Participants and Methods] We recruited20 young, non-obese Japanese male university students and examined the maximum oxygenconsumption, physical activity, and components of metabolic syndrome. We evaluated thephysical activity level and dietary habits of the participants through a questionnairesurvey. [Results] The questionnaire survey revealed that 70% participants had non-standarddietary habits, 55% did not engage in any regular exercise, and 25% were inactive. Onexamination, 20% participants had at least one positive risk factor for metabolicsyndrome. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and triglyceride valuesdid not correlate with the body mass index of the participants; however, the values wereinversely related to the maximum oxygen consumption levels. [Conclusion] Even participantswith normal body mass index had poor dietary habits and a lack of exercise. Our resultsconfirmed that even non-obese Japanese individuals have certain health risks and thathaving higher maximum oxygen consumption has beneficial effects in preventing the riskfactors of severe and life-threatening diseases.