Influence of Physical Activity on Metabolic Syndrome according to Smoking Intensity

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine if physical activity levels relieve the risk of development of metabolic syndrome (Mets) according to smoking intensity among smoking men. Methods: Secondary data from the 2010-2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used for this cross sectional study. A total of 3,027 men over the age of 19 were included for data analysis. Complex samples logistic regression was used to analyze the combined effects of smoking and physical activity on Mets. Smoking intensity was categorized as light (${\leq}20cigarettes/day$) or heavy (> 20 cigarettes/day), while physical activity was categorized as light (< 600 metabolic equivalent [MET]-min/week), moderate (600-3,000 MET-min/week), and vigorous (${\geq}3,000MET-min/week$). Results: Mets was less prevalent among light smokers with vigorous physical activity (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 0.632, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.475-0.840) compared to those with light physical activity. Among heavy smokers, physical activity level was not significantly associated with Mets. Conclusion: Only vigorous physical activity exerted protective effects against development of Mets among low intensity smokers. For high intensity smokers, lowering smoking intensity and smoking cessation are also necessary to prevent development of Mets.