Title:

The Relationship Between Fruit & Vegetable Intake and Metabolic Syndrome in Young Adults with Obesity

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly prevalent in the U.S. and is more common in those with obesity (BMI≥30kg/m2). Current interventions emphasize weight loss, but long-term efficacy is questionable. Research suggests that higher fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake may reduce the incidence of MetS, but this relationship has yet to be studied in a young adult population. Objectives: To observe the relationship between F&V intake and its correlation with criteria met for MetS in a population of young adults with obesity (BMI≥30kg/m2). Study Design, Settings, Participants: Data were collected between Spring 2008-2023 from the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey, an ongoing, cross-sectional study conducted at a public, midsized, northeastern university. From the initial sample of 8,935 students, participants were included for analysis if they had a BMI≥30kg/m2 (n=407). Measurable Outcomes/ Analysis: Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical measures were collected after an overnight fast and used to assess prevalence of MetS. Groups of MetS were created based on 0, 1, 2, or 3+ criteria met for MetS. Daily F&V intake was calculated from an online nutrient analysis software (Diet & Wellness+) from participants’ self-recorded 3-day food records. The relationship between F&V intake and number of MetS criteria was evaluated using Spearman’s correlation. Frequencies were used to report demographics. Results: Most participants (74.2%) had a BMI categorized as class I obesity, 18.7% class II, and 7.1% class III. 34.2% fell in the 3+ category for MetS. Mean intake of daily F&V was 2.5±1.5 cups. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed no significant differences between F&V intake and number of MetS criteria met. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate a high prevalence of MetS among young adults with obesity. The relationship between F&V intake and number of MetS criteria met was found to be insignificant. More research should be done, particularly in a sample with a more even spread across obese BMI categories. Funding: Funded by New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Project 1010738, and the state of New Hampshire.

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