Harpreet KaurKang, Puneet Kaur2022-02-152022-02-152021Kang, Puneet Kaur (2021). Body composition in relation to metabolic syndrome among adult men and women engaged in desk jobs (Unpublished M.Sc. thesis). Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810182275One hundred men and women (30-45 years old) working in desk jobs of 8 hours from Punjab Agricultural University campus were enrolled to study the relationship of body composition with Metabolic Syndrome (MS). The average Body Mass Index (BMI) of men was 27.64 Kg/m2 while it was 25.78 Kg/m2 for women which was higher than the cut off value of 23.0 for Asians (WHO 2000), the proportion of obese males was 58%, whereas, the men at risk of obesity were 19%. 62% of women were obese while 21% of them were found to be at risk of obesity. The abdominal obesity determined from waist circumference was more prevalent in women (45%) while it was low i.e., 6% in men. High Fat mass was observed in 64% of men and 81% of women. Abdominal obesity was more in women (45%) in comparison to men. Hypertension was more in men (26%) than women (9%). Family history of hypertension was among 22% men and 23% in women. Family history of diabetes was in 17 and 19% in men and women, respectively. Lower HDL-C values were observed in only 19% of men and 55% of women. On the other hand, 60% of men and 36% of women had higher level of HDL-C. The high cholesterol level was found in 36 and 26% of men and women. Higher triglycerides were found in 49% men and 36% women. The systolic and diastolic BP was higher in 51 and 34% of men and 38 and 32% in women. MS was higher in women (45%) and lesser in men (23%). Higher BMI, Waist circumference and higher fat mass were strongly associated (p≤0.01) with hyperlipidaemia and hypertension. Higher body fat was correlated (p≤0.05) with hyperglycaemia. Proteins and dietary fibre were adequate while carbohydrates and fat was higher. Higher fat intake of the subjects was significantly (p≤0.05) correlated with total cholesterol and LDL-C. Greater number of women (45%) had low level of physical activity as compared to men (23%). A significant but negative (p≤0.05) correlation was observed between fat mass of the subjects and by MET-minutes/week scores. Moderate level of stress was in majority of men and women i.e., 66 and 68%, respectively. Young adults engaged in long hours desk jobs must involve themselves in moderate to vigorous physical activity before and after their office hours to achieve optimum body composition i.e., lesser fat mass and higher fat free mass along with adequate dietary modifications in order to prevent MS.EnglishThesis