Evaluation of the effects of various factors on the serum triglyceride level in young adults.
The life style of young adults has been receiving attention with a view to its improvement to preventing coronary heart diseases (CHD) in later life. In this study, for determining the influence of different life styles on the serum triglyceride level, we carried out surveys and laboratory studies on the relationships of the nutritional intake, physical activity, and cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption of young adults with their serum triglyceride levels. The nutritional survey indicated a significant correlation between the serum triglyceride level and carbohydrate intake (p < 0.01). In the survey of physical activity, a significant inverse correlation was found between the energy expenditure per kg body weight and the serum triglyceride level (p < 0.05). No significant relationship was found of smoking or drinking with the serum triglyceride level. The body mass index was found to have effects on both the serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. Of the factors examined, carbohydrate intake and energy expenditure per kg body weight had the greatest effects on the serum triglyceride level. Considering the trend for young people to consume large quantities of carbonated drinks, in which most of carbohydrate is sucrose, we tested the affect of a high carbohydrate diet on one group of subjects and found that it caused a significant increase in the serum triglyceride level (p < 0.05). Another group for whom a mild exercise regimen was prescribed showed slight, but not significant decrease in the serum triglyceride level. These results suggest that at least optimal nutrition and physical activity including weight control during adolescence are important for preventing CHD.
Yamasaki
R
R
Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Tokushima, Japan.
Miyoshi
T
T
Imaki
M
M
Nakamura
T
T
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004032:Diet; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004435:Eating; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood*
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D008055:Lipids; D014280:Triglycerides