Effects of Nutritional Interventions on Metabolic Syndrome Parameters Among Employees in Higher Education

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome parameters among the working population, as well as the change in these parameters after the implementation of nutritional interventions. The research was conducted as a prospective, longitudinal, quasi-experimental evaluation study from May to December 2022. The research sample consisted of employees at the College of Vocational Studies for the Education of Teachers and Sports Coaches in Subotica. The study lasted in three phases: 1. initial measurements (eating habits, anthropometric and biochemical measurements), 2. nutritional interventions (counseling work) and 3. evaluation (four months after the initial assessment). Data analysis included methods of descriptive statistical analysis. Nutritional intervention was conducted for 30 participants. Only 18 employees responded to the evaluation. Two thirds (62%) of the participants were overweight. Elevated cholesterol levels were found in almost two-thirds of the participants. Elevated triglyceride values were registered in more than half of the participants. Hyperglycemia was identified in 13% of participants. The research showed that over a third of the participants had three or four risk factors for the development of metabolic syndrome. The results of this study confirm the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome risk factors in the working age population.