The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among law enforcement officers in the Netherlands.

Abstract

The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among law enforcement officers in the Netherlands.

Objective: the objective of our study was to investigate the relation between sedentary professions within the police force and the metabolic syndrome (MetS). In addition, the effect of MetS on health - related quality of life (HQOL) was investigated.

Methods: cross-sectional data from the Utrecht Police Lifestyle Intervention Fitness and Training study (UP-LIFT), a voluntary fitness and lifestyle test for employees of the Utrecht police department (the Netherlands) were analysed. From December 2004 to November 2008, 1349 participants (915 men and 434 women, aged 18-62 years) were tested.

Results: the prevalence of MetS in sedentary law enforcement officers (LEOs) was significantly higher (21.3% vs. 13.5%, p<0.01) than in active LEOs. Logistic regression showed increasing prevalence of MetS with increasing age, decreasing peak oxygen uptake and being male. The SF-12 Physical health summary score (PCS) was significantly lower in LEOs with MetS (51.58 (6.39) vs. 53.60 (5.30),p<0.001).

Conclusion: over 17% of LEOs have MetS, especially older male LEOs (34% diagnosed with MetS) have multiple risk factors. Despite these numbers MetS has only little effect on HRQOL. The intensity of sedentary behaviour during work and the relation with MetS should be investigated and incorporated in physical activity (PA) guidelines.