Analysis of sugar, salt, and fat intake and physical activity in relation to metabolic syndrome risk among adolescents in Depok City, Indonesia

Abstract

Several studies have shown that schoolchildren in Indonesia frequently consume foods high in sugar, salt, and fat (SSF), and low physical activity may also contribute to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome from an early age. This study aimed to analyze the association between SSF intake and physical activity and the risk of metabolic syndrome among adolescents in Depok City. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 119 high school adolescents selected purposively. SSF intake was assessed using a Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ), physical activity using a structured questionnaire, and metabolic syndrome risk using the Metabolic Syndrome Risk Score for Adolescents, which has been validated in a similar population. Data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate (chi-square), and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses at a significance level of p < 0.05. Most respondents had low physical activity (68.9%) and excessive sodium (86.6%) and transfat (97.5%) intakes. Physical activity was a significant protective factor against metabolic syndrome risk (p < 0.001; Exp(B) = 0.02), whereas sugar intake showed a tendency toward increased metabolic syndrome risk (p = 0.06; Exp(B) = 7.24). In conclusion, adequate physical activity may play an important role in reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome, whereas excessive sugar intake may increase the risk. Therefore, health promotion and preventive efforts focusing on increasing physical activity and controlling the intake of SSF should be prioritized during adolescence.