Review Article METABOLIC SYNDROME AND OBESITY: EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PREVENTION BY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE

Obesity and physical inactivity comprise an important worldwide epidemic that has been linked to the meta-bolic syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, inflammation, renal, and many other metabolic disorders. Presenting the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in selected world populations, this paper strongly discusses the pivotal role of physical activity and exercise in prevent-ing central obesity, metabolic syndrome and their complications such as dyslipidemia, hypertension and insulin resistance. Exercise recommendations to decrease the risk of metabolic syndrome and its compo-nents as well as public health policies to promote public engagement on exercise are described. Regular practice of aerobic physical activities, such as walking, as well as weight-bearing exercise training are impor-tant to improve cardiovascular fitness, change body composition, and prevent or manage metabolic syn-drome, obesity, diabetes, and other complications. [ J Exerc Sci Fit • Vol 6 • No 2 • 87–96 • 2008