Associations of Sedentary Time and Physical Activity with Metabolic Syndrome among Chinese Adults: Results from the China Health and Nutrition Survey

Objective This study aimed to determine the independent and joint associations of sedentary time (ST) and physical activity (PA) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components among Chinese adults. Methods The study analyzed data from 4,865 adults aged 0.001, respectively]. The MetS risk in the computer time 14 h/w) and the most active tertile of MVPA ( _ 61.0 MET-h/w), participants reporting the most total leisure ST (>_ 35 h/w) and the lowest level of MVPA (0 MET-h/w) had the highest odds of MetS (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.4-2.7). Except for people reporting ST (14- 21 h/w) within the most active tertile of MVPA, the associations in all other groups were significant. With the increase of TV time and decreased MVPA, the odds of MetS almost showed a curve acceleration. Conclusions MVPA and total PA have independent preventive effects, and sedentary behavior (mainly watching TV) has an unsafe effect on MetS and its components. Strengthening the participation of MVPA and combining the LPA to replace the TV-based ST to increase the total PA may be necessary to reduce the prevalence of MetS in Chinese adults.